29. Calling Another by a Nickname

Dedicated by Fran Broder as a zechus for the hostages to be released safely to their families and may everlasting peace come to Eretz Yisrael in the merit of learning Hilchot Bein Adam L’Chaveiro

1.       One is not allowed to call another by an unfavorable nickname (Shulchan Aruch, C.M. 228). An unfavorable nickname includes using a name with the intent of being derogatory, which will embarrass the person. Even if the person does not protest, if one knows or suspects that they do not wish to be called by that name, it is forbidden.

2.      Even if the person using the nickname does not have any negative intent, if the person being called by the nickname is offended by it or does not want it to be used, it is forbidden to use the nickname (L’Reiacha Kamocha, vol. 3, p. 85). It is only permitted if the name is not intended to shame the person and the person does not mind it. If one is unsure whether the person minds the name, they should ask the person before using it. It is a midat chasidut (measure of additional piety) not to call a person by any nickname, by their last name, or by their father’s name (see Megillah 27b and Tosafot Rosh; L’Reiacha Kamocha, vol. 3, p. 87).