Sobriquet
/ˈsoʊ.brɪ.keɪ/noun
A nickname or informal, often descriptive name.
Did you know?Sobriquet entered English through French, and its earlier form is linked to a word for a little tap or knock—like a verbal tag slapped onto someone’s identity.
Etymological Timeline
Late Middle English
English
sobriquet
“A nickname or familiar extra name”
Old French
OF
soubriquet
“A nickname, jesting name, or byname”
Old French
OF
soubriquer
“To give a nickname; originally a light tap or knock”
Germanic (uncertain)
Gmc
*subr- / *suk-
“A knock, tap, or sudden strike (proposed source; exact origin uncertain)”
Modern English
English
sobriquet
“A nickname”