Friday, August 31, 2007
Nicknames and such
This past week, I have been searching for a domain name for this blog as I wanted to move it to a different host and have its own easy-to-remember name. I asked Lolo to help with this and though he had not come up with an original name, he had discussed this with my eldest sister, Ate and she had come up with something original --- batutaynibitay. Translated to English, it means "Child of Bitay" (affectionately).
"Bitay" was one of my nicknames growing up. It is a Tagalog word that literally means "to hang" and I hated being called this name for that reason. It always conjured up an image of being hanged (as in capital punishment "hang" with neck broken, tongue hanging out, legs swaying in the wind...) Happily, it did not stick with my immediate family, though I do have an aunt who to this day still calls me "Bitay" (Thanks, Tita Mila!)
Nicknames are big with Filipinos. If you do not have one or people call you by your real name--- something is wrong with you. When Filipino kids are born, moms and dads think of the name (or names) that goes on the birth certificate and a suitable nickname that matches with this name (or names). Like my Ate's firstborn--- I came up with "Giuseppe Andre" with nickname "Jopi". (Oh, the birth certificate names have to have some legitimate personal reason for being chosen--- in this case, My Ate and her husband's names start with G and A, and the Italian names are a tribute to her husband's musical career). I still consider coming up with my nephew's names one of my more creative moments. Salamat, Ate for letting me help! I love you, Jopi!
Many years later, when I got pregnant, eventually we had chosen to name our child, "Mary Esther" if she is a girl. The names are a tribute to both of her grandmothers (Grandma Esther in Iowa and Mama Mer in Caloocan City). I did choose a nickname from the start "Mimi" but we did not call her this for long. Jack and I both love saying her full name as it constantly remind us of two wonderful women.
As far as my domain name, it is not going to be batutay ni bitay. It would take too much explaining to people when I tell them about it and it would be difficult to remember or spell for someone who does not speak Tagalog.
"Bitay" was one of my nicknames growing up. It is a Tagalog word that literally means "to hang" and I hated being called this name for that reason. It always conjured up an image of being hanged (as in capital punishment "hang" with neck broken, tongue hanging out, legs swaying in the wind...) Happily, it did not stick with my immediate family, though I do have an aunt who to this day still calls me "Bitay" (Thanks, Tita Mila!)
Nicknames are big with Filipinos. If you do not have one or people call you by your real name--- something is wrong with you. When Filipino kids are born, moms and dads think of the name (or names) that goes on the birth certificate and a suitable nickname that matches with this name (or names). Like my Ate's firstborn--- I came up with "Giuseppe Andre" with nickname "Jopi". (Oh, the birth certificate names have to have some legitimate personal reason for being chosen--- in this case, My Ate and her husband's names start with G and A, and the Italian names are a tribute to her husband's musical career). I still consider coming up with my nephew's names one of my more creative moments. Salamat, Ate for letting me help! I love you, Jopi!
Many years later, when I got pregnant, eventually we had chosen to name our child, "Mary Esther" if she is a girl. The names are a tribute to both of her grandmothers (Grandma Esther in Iowa and Mama Mer in Caloocan City). I did choose a nickname from the start "Mimi" but we did not call her this for long. Jack and I both love saying her full name as it constantly remind us of two wonderful women.
As far as my domain name, it is not going to be batutay ni bitay. It would take too much explaining to people when I tell them about it and it would be difficult to remember or spell for someone who does not speak Tagalog.
