In an online conversation with a Ukranian friend of mine, she addressed me as “zaichik.” A quick bout of googling shows that it is apparently a surname in Russia and Ukraine. Can anybody give me a clue what she meant by calling me by that word? She knows my family name, we’ve met several times IRL, and it isn’t Zaichik.
Zaichik is rabbit in Ukrainian, or so I believe.
Sorta the equivalent ofthe English pet-name “Sunshine”
Actually it is translated correctly as either rabbit or sunshine. The word “Zaichik” is the diminutive form of Zai, which is the ancient Ukranian sun god, who was frequently portrayed as an over-sized, fiery rabbit. The sun, of course, being of extreme importance to the livelihood of Ukranian farmers and the rabbit representing bounty and plentifulness. The diminiutive “Zaichik” came to be used as a term of endearment–comparing the beloved with the source of all that is plentiful and life-giving.
Interesting word, really.
Ok. That was fun.
Here’s a discussion.
Inigo, you are a treasure. Further inofrmation, if you can help. Is this an endearment one would use speaking to a fairly casual acquaintance? We’ve chatted online a couple times and gone to dinner twice.
For what it’s worth, in the Russian language you use “zaichik” as a term of endearment as well. Same meaning. As a heterosexual male I would only use it with children or with women my age who I know very well. It’s not something you would call your mother for example. I think the closest american word that can be used in the same contexts would be “honey” but that depends on where you are.
Some parts of the english speaking world “honey” is only reserved for your spouse/significant other or children. “Zaichik” (or “Zaika”) can be used with close friends.
To be even more perfectly clear if a woman addressed me as “zaichik” it would indicate that either she wants to sleep with me or I’m forever wedged in the “close friend zone” 
Alright, I’m consumed with guilt. Only because this is GQ do I feel the need to confess making all that up about the mighty Ukranian Solar Lagomorphic God.
Yeah, you had me confused there for a second. 
To be perfectly clear to the OP, “Zaichik” is the diminutive form of the word “rabbit.” Basically, “little rabbit” or “bunny.” “Sun” in Ukrainian is “sontse.”
I’m also fairly certain that the linked-to post that “zaichik” means “sunbeam” in Russian is incorrect. It’s something like “solnechniy luch,”
Perkunas will smite you! (Yeah, he’s Lithuanian, but he’s been working overtime; small-ethnic-group deities have to do a lot to assure their survival these days! ;))
It was worth the dud link just to hear that yarn, Inigo. You were so damn convincing!
Thank you groman, I appreciate the information. It clarified her note to me very nicely.
Yer a laff riot, Inigo. I’ll have to remember your flair for comedy when I read any future GQ posts from you.