What’s your nickname?

You will not think the same about these 12 nicknames after reading this

Image: Philippe Yuan

All words come from somewhere; many began as nicknames given to people who, for better or worse, inspired the terms bestowed upon them. A lot of the expressions we throw around, like "bookworm" or "couch potato," actually started as playful or teasing nicknames. Over time, these labels stuck and became part of everyday language. Read on to learn about the nicknames that originated these 12 common terms.

Image: Alex Kotliarskyi

While it originated as a circus slang term for a performer who carried out bizarre or grotesque acts, "geek" later became a nickname for socially awkward but brilliant people.

Today, the term has been reclaimed and is often worn with pride, generally referring to someone passionate about intellectual or pop-culture interests such as technology, gaming, or science fiction.

Image: Andrew George

"Brainiac" began as the name of a villain in Superman comics during the 1950s. The character was portrayed as a hyper-intelligent alien. Over time, the name shifted from a fictional identity to a general nickname for someone extremely smart.

Today, calling someone a "brainiac" suggests they are brilliant or academically gifted, especially in science or technology.

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The term "Plain Jane" was a nickname for a woman with an unremarkable appearance or personality, with "Jane" serving as a stand-in for the average woman.

Today, "Plain Jane" refers to someone perceived as ordinary or not flashy, usually in terms of looks or style.

Image: Anya Osintsova

This idiom comes from a popular 1960s talking doll named Chatty Cathy, known for its pull-string phrases. The toy’s nonstop chatter led to the nickname being applied to overly talkative people, especially young girls.

Now, "Chatty Cathy" is a common term for anyone who talks too much or dominates conversations.

Image: Claudio Schwarz

"Nervous Nellie" became popular in the early 20th century and was notably used by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to describe overly cautious people.

Today, it refers to someone anxious, jumpy, or constantly worried. Though usually playful, it can suggest that someone is overly fearful or lacking in confidence.

Image: Israel Pereira

"Peeping Tom" comes from the legend of Lady Godiva, whose naked ride was witnessed by a man later named Tom. His act of looking made him an early archetype of the voyeur.

Today, "Peeping Tom" refers to someone who spies on others, especially in a creepy or inappropriate way.

Image: Artem R.

Dating back to a 1765 children’s story about a poor girl who gets a second shoe and becomes morally upright, "goody two-shoes" evolved into a nickname for someone who is exaggeratedly virtuous.

Today, goody two-shoes describes a person who strictly follows rules and often tries to appear morally superior.

Image: Zachary Kadolph

This term was originally a mocking nickname for children who cried easily, and it became a standard expression in playground slang. The simplicity of the term helped it spread quickly.

Now, "crybaby" is used to describe anyone, child or adult, who complains or gets upset too easily.

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Another well-known nickname, "bookworm," originally referred to someone who read excessively, likening them to a literal worm burrowing through books.

Today, it’s also a common term for an avid reader. While it may still be slightly nerdy in tone, many people use "bookworm" proudly to show a love for reading.

Image: Adrian Swancar

Coined in the 1970s as a humorous insult, "couch potato" originally referred to someone who spent long hours sitting on a couch watching television.

Now, it’s a familiar term for anyone who leads a sedentary lifestyle, especially in front of screens.

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This term emerged in the early 1900s, playing on the image of a frightened cat jumping at sudden noises. It became a popular teasing nickname for people easily scared.

Today, "scaredy-cat" is still widely used, especially among children, to call someone out for being timid or afraid.

Image: krakenimages

The term "tattletale" originated as playground slang for someone who told on others to authority figures.

Now, it refers to anyone, typically a child, who reports others' misdeeds, especially minor ones.

State mottos explained

The hidden origins behind ten state mottos

A motto is part of a state's identity, much like a nickname or a famous landmark, and is often born from a real moment in history. Take Kansas, whose motto "Ad astra per aspera" ("To the stars through difficulties") nods to its rocky road to statehood. Or Virginia's "Sic semper tyrannis" ("Thus always to tyrants"), a phrase with a dramatic afterlife nobody saw coming. Let's dig into 10 of these mottos and the history that shaped them.

This one means "to the stars through difficulties," and it fits Kansas like a glove. The phrase was adopted in 1861, the same year Kansas became a state after years of violent conflict known as "Bleeding Kansas," where pro- and anti-slavery settlers clashed.

Written by John James Ingalls, it reminds Kansans that their state was forged through real struggle: hardship before triumph.

"Thus always to tyrants" sounds dramatic, and it is. Adopted in 1776 as Virginia broke from British rule, it celebrates the overthrow of oppressive power. Ironically, it became infamous in 1865 when John Wilkes Booth shouted it after assassinating Lincoln.

Virginians today still see it as a proud statement against tyranny, despite that dark historical footnote.

Meaning "ever upward," this motto was adopted in 1778, shortly after New York became a state, appearing on its seal. It reflects ambition and progress, a fitting message for a state built on skyscrapers and big dreams. New Yorkers still embrace it as a nod to reaching higher, no matter the obstacle.

"I have found it!" was adopted as California's motto around the Gold Rush era of 1849, officially made law in 1963. It captures the thrill of prospectors striking gold in the hills, and more broadly, the spirit of discovery and opportunity that drew millions west.

Perhaps the boldest motto in the country, this phrase came from Revolutionary War general John Stark, who wrote it in an 1809 toast to his old soldiers. It became the official state motto in 1945. It's stamped on license plates, embodying New Hampshire's fierce independent streak.

Translated as "the life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness," this motto comes from a powerful moment: in 1843, King Kamehameha III spoke these words after Britain briefly seized Hawaii and then restored its sovereignty. It's a celebration of justice winning out, and it remains deeply meaningful to Native Hawaiian identity today.

This mouthful translates to "let the welfare of the people be the supreme law." Adopted in 1822 when Missouri joined the Union, it’s borrowed from Roman statesman Cicero. It reminds citizens that the government exists to serve the people first; a principle still cited in political debates about public good today.

Meaning "to be, rather than to seem," this motto was officially adopted in 1893, borrowed from Cicero once again. It champions authenticity over image: valuing genuine character over putting on a show. For North Carolinians, it's a point of quiet pride: substance matters more than flash, a value many still hold dear today.

"Let it be perpetual" was adopted in 1867, years before Idaho even became a state in 1890. The phrase is borrowed from a 17th-century Venetian friar named Paolo Sarpi, said when Venice's independence was threatened. For Idaho, it's a hopeful wish that the state, and its freedoms, will endure forever.

Loosely translated as "strong deeds, gentle words," this Italian phrase traces back to the coat of arms of the Calvert family, Maryland's founding Lords Baltimore, and was formally adopted in 1874. It suggests that actions should speak louder than talk: a value Marylanders still nod to with quiet pride.