What’s He Called? The Most Common Guy Nicknames
Nicknames between guys often carry context and unspoken meaning. They can signal friendship or inside jokes, and they tend to stick around longer than most people expect. These names can be your childhood names, earned on a team, or picked up in a group chat.
Here’s a closer look at common guy nicknames that keep showing up.
Buddy
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Nobody really remembers when “Buddy” showed up, but it’s never left. It’s the go-to for friendly interactions that don’t need anything deeper. You’ll hear it between old friends, strangers on a job site, or parents with toddlers.
Chief
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“Chief” has range. It can be encouraging or sarcastic. It pops up in workplaces and weekend softball leagues, especially when someone takes themselves a little too seriously.
Bubba
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It might’ve started as a Southern family thing, but “Bubba” has traveled. These days, it’s a term of endearment for the guy who gives off protective big brother energy, even if he’s not actually older. He’s supposedly warm, laid-back, and usually the type of person everyone seems to like instantly.
Big Man
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You don’t need to be tall or heavy to be called “Big Man.” Sometimes it’s about presence more than size. Other times, it’s flat-out sarcasm. A guy volunteers once, and suddenly he’s “Big Man.” It sticks because it’s funny and just broad enough to be used in any group.
Boss
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“Boss” is for the guy who tries to take control or does so successfully. It’s got a teasing edge but isn’t always negative. Sometimes it’s a nod to someone who knows what they’re doing. Context is everything, and tone even more so.
Donuts
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This one has nothing to do with leadership or personality and everything to do with habit. One guy brought donuts to practice once. Then again. And again. Now, he’s Donuts. Nicknames like this don’t need explanation once they’ve been repeated a few times.
Junior
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Traditionally used for sons named after their fathers, “Junior” has also become a generic nickname for younger guys in a group. It suggests youth or inexperience, but not in a negative way. It’s common among families when there’s more than one person with the same name.
Monkey
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Active, curious, and maybe hyper–that’s the energy behind “Monkey.” It’s often used in childhood, but sticks if the behavior that inspired it never really fades. These kinds of nicknames reflect personality traits more than appearance, and they’re usually said with a smile.
Shortie
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Nicknames based on height are still common among guys, and “Shortie” is one of the most familiar. It’s primarily used in youth or friend groups, and often signals inclusion. In male groups, teasing nicknames can mean acceptance.
Captain
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There’s a version of this nickname for every guy who takes the reins literally or figuratively. Sometimes it’s earned through leadership. Other times, it’s handed out ironically to the guy who always insists on planning everything. Either way, “Captain” works because it plays both ends with respect and ribbing in one word.