What's in a name

Every Thai person has a full name, which is usually quite lengthy and impossible to remember or to pronounce, and a nickname, which they usually go by.  Apparently it has to do with the superstitions in Thai culture.  A nickname is given to a child at birth and used in lieu of a true name so as to protect themselves from the bad spirits.  After all, who would want the evil spirits to know their real name?

Thus, everyone uses a nickname (thankfully for me and my memory).  I had eight classes of second and third grade this week, and I am struggling a bit to remember everyone’s name, but I did catch on to a few great nicknames.  Here are some favorites, to give you a taste of the diversity:

Giant

Captain

Gun

Boss

Donut

Beer

Oil

Whiskey

Bignut

Littlenut

Goodview

Gong