Hypocorism

As Hypokoristikum ( from Ancient Greek Hypokoristikon = term of endearment ) is called in linguistics the short or pet form of a name.

Diminutives

Preferably, the formation takes place through the diminutive. Here several diminutive suffixes are added to the actual name, usually for similar grammatical rules as for nouns. In English, these are mainly the suffixes - chen and -lein with their dialectal Variants and the ending- i, -ie. Examples include Marie- lein, Karl- chen or Kurt -i. In German-speaking countries also Ann Mari -ette -ka, there are some diminutive forms from other languages ​​, for example French to Anne, Hungarian or Spanish to Maria Teres - ita to Teresa.

The Italian has besides many diminutives also has its own " Verniedlichungs " shape ( vezzeggiativo ) with the suffix - Nuccio.

Abbreviations

Even short forms are frequent Hypokoristika, but were sometimes even back to full common forms such as Alex Alexander, Lutz Ludwig or Lilo to Lieselotte. Examples from other languages ​​are Italian Sandra to Alessandra, Russian Sasha Aleksander or English to Jennifer Jenny.

Combination of shortening and reduction

But especially common is the combination of the two derivations, where the name is based is sometimes hardly recognizable. Examples:

• Italian Giovanna > Gianna > Giannina > Nina > Ninetta
• Greek Dimitrios > Dimitris > Dimitrakis > Takis

Application

Frequently Hypokoristika be awarded as terms of endearment among persons who are in a close relationship as lovers, couples or parents and children. Similar to the nickname the transmission of a generally positive characteristic associated output form can also be at nicknames.