Not only are Spanish nicknames used as terms of endearment, they can also be used in comic ways to categorize individuals into different groups. I think you're a wolf in sheep's clothing. For instance, the nickname gordito uses the Spanish adjective gordo in its diminutive form, and has the diminutive suffix - ito added to the end. They feature the suffixes - ito or - ita at the end of a person’s name, an adjective or a noun. Some Spanish apodos are formed using diminutives. They’re formed in different ways and have different origins. There are some apodos (nicknames) that are used between friends, some used to address your family and others for your spouse or significant other. Just like greetings, Spanish nicknames are used in different contexts. When you’re ready, you can explore the list further down which will help you to start throwing the Spanish nicknames into conversations with your friends and family. It can also mean using the right nicknames or Spanish apodos cariñosos to describe your family or your friends.Ĭhoosing an appropriate nickname or ‘term of endearment’ requires a little knowledge of how and when they’re used, which we’ve covered below.

Here, we’re not just talking about the difference between calling a friend ’ tú’ (you) and using ’ usted’ (formal – you) to address strangers. Different social contexts require different modes of address in Spanish.

Nicknames for best friends list