NORNA-RAPPORTER 88 Binamn. Uppkomst, bildning, terminologi ...

34 Bertie Neethling
Non-derivative types (external)
Many bynames are not formed through any derivational pattern via the first
name, but come into being based on particular features associated with the
name carrier, such as physical characteristics, personality traits, events in the
life of the name carrier, associations with sport, music (types and artists), etc.
This is clearly the area where bynames have the potential not to be embraced
by the name carrier as would normally be the case with the derivative types. If
a prominent physical feature which is not generally considered to be a flattering
and admired one is used as the origin for a byname (perhaps ‘nickname’ is more
apt), then it stands to reason that the name carrier either has to accept the byname
with good humour or may desperately try to discourage its usage. The latter
is often easier said than done. Such ‘negative’ bynames have a tendency to
persist, whether name carriers like them or not. Despite the existence of such
negative bynames in the data, it is, of course, very possible that respondents
may have elected not to mention these bynames. There was no control over this
possibility. Felecan (2009) suggested earlier that name carriers may be oblivious
about these not so flattering bynames, i.e. they are only used to refer to
an individual when s/he is not present. That is possible, but seeing that respondents
themselves reported on their bynames, suggests that they know them and
the people who use them.
1. Physical characteristic
This is probably a universal category. Body size (small, thin, fat) is popular, as
well as complexion features. Some may have been acquired in childhood times
or during early schooling, and may no longer be applicable, but persist in
usage. Examples:
Sivuyile > Lhoza (thin like a cigarette)
Nwabisa Bernice > Sjupa/Stokoloza (thin/bones ex Afrikaans (stok=‘stick’)
Thembela > Tuta/Mshwela (not tall)
Phatheka Cornelia > Noncondwana (thin)
Thando > Roro (round little girl)
Unathi > Hagwana (< ihagu ‘pig’ – cute like little white pig)
Muammar > Fat Mo
Peter Henry > Jules (< kilojoules), Bok uitgevreet (‘satiated buck’)
Melody >Miss Piggy (fat when small)
Marshay > Vettie (Afrikaans ‘fat’)
Nwabisa Kanyiso > Cremora [a coffee creamer] (complexion)
Yolanda > Cocoa (complexion)
Vuyiswa > Notumato (< tomato ‘soft skin’)
Nathan > Black Man
Shanine > Whitey (irony: dark complexion)
Orenthal Wilbur > Nigga O/Da Nigga (dark complexion)