A
hypocorism (; from
Greek , "to use child-talk"), also known as a
pet name or
calling name, is a shorter or
diminutive form of a word or
given name, for example, when used in more intimate situations as a
nickname or
term of endearment. However, shortening of names is certainly not exclusive to terms of affection; indeed, in many cases, a shortened name can also be used to intimidate or humiliate. The ambiguity would need to be clarified by context.