Abbreviating your name

[Sundae]

I only have a two syllable name, but it's okay, I'm not suffering from syllable envy.
I use a derivative of my formal birth name as my chosen name.
I haven't changed it on official documents, but most everyone uses it (except the 'rents, and even they do sometimes - it was one of Mum's pet names for me when I was a babba after all).

Sometimes I have to explain it to people.
They would never question why a man called William would be called Bill, or a woman called Margaret might be called Peg. But change Cheryl to Cherry and people think it's odd because you suddenly have two names - one for everyday use and one for best maybe? No, it's an accepted contraction. Especially if you have big red cheeks.

And have had to correct people on the pronunciation all your life (no, CHeryl, not SHeryl) because your awkward parents decided that was the way your name was pronounced. Backed up by the Oxford Dictionary of names, it's true. But you would be surprised how many people are prepared to actually argue with you about your own name!

Chip on my shoulder? No, just a vast cauldron of French Fries.

Still, even my formal name is miles better than being called Cheggers, which I was when I was at school Keith Chegwin was on TV and used the same sobriquet.

I still get called Chez or Chezza (grrrrrrrrr), but I can deal with those. In fact it would almost be nice to hear those again - it would mean I had friends confident enough to tease me. [/pathos]

My brother is generally called Steve these days - even by his wife.
I refuse to butcher his name in this way.
I started calling him Ste years back and that will do for me.
(Stevo if I'm feeling particularly pleased with myself)
Bless him, he's so sanguine I dioubt he even notices the stand I've taken.