>>>Affectionate diminutive
Aye, I think most diminutive use is affectionate.
A diminutive used to demean or diminish someone is very evident; there is no misconstruing it.
For example, Fred and William are in an argument that is getting heated. Fred, in an agressive, angry or baiting tone says, "listen up Billy boy" when he would generally refer to William as Bill. In that case, Billy boy is a diminutive.
If you're very sensitive about it Pook, you might want to let us know since the moniker you chose is one that invites cute add-ons and you seemed genial enough, so it is not surprising that folks would greet you affectionately.
Also, throwing out a challenge as to discovering the provenence of the name seemed playful, and an invitation to cameraderie. Again, if we were mistaken, then it would be good to know.
Last edited by belMarduk; 02/24/08 04:42 PM.
