When I hear the song of the same title it moves me in many ways. The first cognation is that I have been addressed by many nicknames beside John, Johnny, Jackie, Jack, Steve, Spaceman, Ace, Magoo, Handsome, (my parents are responsible solely for that one) Lightning and of late Lefty. Greetings by name evoke memories of days gone by and fortunately for me most of those have been in love or fondness and to a smaller degree in jest but always they marked a particular period in what is my life.
I never wanted to be called Jackie once JFK was elected because his spouse was named Jacqueline (her beauty notwithstanding) and as the country embraced her it was Jackie for short. I was revolted that what was my childhood moniker was now associated with a female I wanted no part of that affectionate nick. Only to find myself embracing it 40 plus years later and urging anyone who might listen to use the shortened adult version: Jack. Although there are moments when my inner circle gravitates to Jackie. What I used to detest I now revel in. Some people that knew me as John would never make the switch and to those that knew me only as Jack any idea that they might use John or Johnny alternatively was not possible either. It also confuses some significant others like my sisters who made the change so many years ago and are a bit confused but are also perfectly willing to call me whatever I want.
It’s not my name but when my military college mates started to call me “Spaceman” it was not affection they had in mind. It was to mark my seeming characteristic of being “out there” and in truth innately I am and I am not sure it applies now simply because of my age. My left-brain developed as it is might leave something to be desired when it comes to the simple functionality of having pedestrian common sense. I conveniently use the excuse that I am creative and that’s the price you pay for being filled with afflatus.
I have more to say but I am on vacation.
MC & HNY
It is convenient to be called by different names. For example, your coworkers call you John for the most part, friends call you Jack , and so on. Multiple names offer you an opportunity to ID the caller immediately. The diminutive names of course connote affection as in addressing a child or loved one. Often individuals will nickname us by physical or mental characteristics, not usually complimentary. Most of us have been at some point been addressed by other than the name we choose to be called.
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