Word of the Day

Sunday March 28, 2010

sobriquet [SO-brih-kay; -ket; so-brih-KAY; -KET]

noun

An affectionate or humorous nickname.
An assumed name; an epithet.

"My father had a huge heart and was a very gregarious person who never used profanity and -- as is exemplified by his numerous achievements and public accolades -- was very much liked by all," Al Combatalade said. "While he was indeed the founder and driving force of the Camellia Festival, earning him the sobriquet 'Mr. Camellia,' he did so very much more for our community."

Debbie Arrington, "Sacramento soars in this year's Great Backyard Bird Count", The Sacramento Bee, Mar 13, 2010
These folks aren't flocking to Chippewa-area clubs like Pure and the Third Room to dump bills into the jukebox, though. They are here to be moved by the men and women who proudly call themselves DJs -- a sobriquet once implying the spinning of vinyl discs over the radio waves, but now fully given over to the electro-auteurs who preside above turntable, mixer and hard-drive, seamlessly blending beats, grooves, beds of sonic connective tissue, all in service of a flow meant to transport artist and dancer alike.

Jeff Miers, "Buffalo's dance party; Cutting-edge music, up-and-coming DJs are drawing crowds to downtown clubs", Buffalo News, Jan 17, 2010
The rain had penetrated his clothing and vigorous exercise had not greatly diminished the chill in his blood. His heart knocked violently against his ribs and he was dismayed by his shortness of wind. The Hopper was not so young as in the days when his agility and genius for effecting a quick "get-away" had earned for him his sobriquet.

Meredith Nicholson (1866 - 1947) An American author, politician, and diplomat. A Reversible Santa Claus (1917)

Origin of the Word

Sobriquet, approximately 1646, derives from French sobriquet "nickname," from Middle French soubriquet, literally "a chuck under the chin."