Quote:
Originally Posted by YuriTokoro
Do people call "Richard" "Dick"? I see. I just saw a dictionary. I didn't know "dick" has that meaning.
I've heard that "William" is called "Bill". Is this right?
Many English names have nicknames?
I would understand if "Richard" became "Rich" or "William" became "Will", but why "Dick" and "Bill"?
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(Sorry if you have already explained this in your post, masaegu.)
Well, in 1066 when the Normans invaded England, it had an impact on the English language as well as English names. Because they were uncomfortable with the pronounciation of "R" in some names like Richard, Roger and Robert. So, over time new names were formed through the alternate spelling and pronounciations of old ones.
I believe it's also used as a tool for teaching toddlers who can't grasp some pronounciations such as "R" or "W" by changing them to ones that could be spoken more easily. Richard -> Rick -> Dick. William -> Will -> Bill.