What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sobriquet
Example
The famous singer was known by his sobriquet, 'The King of Pop'. [sobriquet: noun]
Example
The author used her sobriquet instead of her real name for the book signing. [sobriquet: noun]
Example
Her sobriquet, 'The Iron Lady', reflected her strong leadership style. [sobriquet: noun]
nickname
Example
My nickname is 'Bear' because I'm big and cuddly. [nickname: noun]
Example
She gave her boyfriend the nickname 'Honey' because he's sweet. [nickname: noun]
Example
The athlete's nickname, 'The Flash', referred to his speed on the field. [nickname: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Nickname is more commonly used than sobriquet in everyday language. Nickname is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while sobriquet is less common and more formal.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between sobriquet and nickname?
Sobriquet is typically associated with a formal and fancy tone, while nickname is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.