Abbreviation Question

[grimpixie]

Would "Rick" or "Dick" for "Richard" or "Bill" for "William" or "Ted" for "Edward" be classed as abbreviations? If not, what would you call them?

I think not, but I couldn't come up with an alternative term.... Anyone have the GA?

Grim

[II Gyan II]

Diminutives

[grimpixie]

Wouldn't that apply better to "Ricky" or "Billy"??

Grim

[JeffB]

How about nickname?

[Scarlett67]

Diminutive is correct (bolding mine):
Main Entry: diminutive
Function: adjective
Date: 14th century

1 : indicating small size and sometimes the state or quality of being familiarly known, lovable, pitiable, or contemptible — used of affixes (as -ette, -kin, -ling) and of words formed with them (as kitchenette, manikin, duckling), of clipped forms (as Jim), and of altered forms (as Peggy); compare AUGMENTATIVE

[grimpixie]

Cool - thanks...

Grim