Skip to main content

Birth of a nickname - John McWhorter

434,888 Views

1,315 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

Where do nicknames come from? Why are Ellens called Nellie and Edwards Ned? It’s all a big misunderstanding from the early days of the English language, a misunderstanding that even the word nickname itself derives from. John McWhorter tracks the accidental evolution of some familiar diminutives.

Given how so many words are different now than what they were in earlier English, how do you feel about nother in whole nother?

Login to answer question

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator John McWhorter
  • Animator Lippy
  • Narrator John McWhorter

More from Playing with Language