Chintu, Nani, Chinna, Kanna & Ammu most preferred
A survey conducted by Snapchat, the visual messaging app, revealed that Hyderabad’s top nicknames are Chintu, Nani, Chinna, Kanna and Ammu, which also provides insights into the unique subculture surrounding nicknaming.
Snapchat partnered with YouGov to conduct a study on Indian nickname culture shedding light on the nation’s fascination with nicknames.
The research revealed that a significant number of Indian Gen Zs and young millennials have adopted nicknames online.
The appeal of nicknames lies in their brevity, cool factor and ability to safeguard privacy making them easier to remember. In fact, around 96% of Indians have adopted a nickname at some point in their lives.
The survey’s findings indicated that a majority of respondents had three or more nicknames dispelling the impression that nicknames are a source of embarrassment.
Only 15% of participants said turning self-conscious about using their nicknames in public, underscoring the sense of pride associated with these personalised monikers.
Kanishk Khanna, the Director of Media Partnerships – APAC at Snap Inc, stressed the significance of nicknames in Indian culture, emphasising that they originate from genuine connections like friends and family.
He said that Snapchat aims to enhance the joy of sharing nicknames and bring users closer to their inner circles through a nickname and Augmented Reality (AR).
The survey also revealed that Indians use nicknames to forge stronger connections and validate relationships, with 67% of respondents acknowledging that nicknames contribute to a sense of closeness. Sixty per cent of respondents said that they received their nicknames during childhood or school years with the childhood nickname often being the one they continue to use, emphasising the enduring impact of early connections on one’s identity.
Nicknames play a vital role in creating a sense of belonging, as 61% of respondents indicated that they go by a different name at home, and nearly 60% have encountered situations where people remember their nicknames instead of their actual names.
The survey results affirm that nicknames hold a special place in our identities, representing the strongest connections we cherish.
Along with the research, Snapchat unveiled two unique augmented reality lenses.
The ‘India’s Top Nicknames’ lens allows Snapchatters to display their nickname as the top nickname in the country, while the ‘My Nickname’ lens allows users to create their own nickname and share with others.
