Latest news with #nicknames
The National
03-06-2025
- Business
- The National
The 'Taco Trump' jibe proves that words do really matter
It's one of the most famous quotes from Shakespeare: 'What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.' Juliet says it about Romeo, suggesting she loves him not for his family connections but for who he is. In modern politics however, especially in the US, names and name-calling in the Donald Trump era seem to have a different significance, and it's not so sweet. American media outlets are full of observations about the nickname given to Mr Trump by Wall Street insiders. He is known, they say, as 'Taco Trump', but not because of his fondness for those crispy Mexican delicacies. It's for his fondness for tariffs that are put on foreign imports at extremely high levels and then reduced – and then maybe reimposed and reduced again. The 'Taco' tag stands for 'Trump Always Chickens Out' meaning that he talks tough, makes an announcement but when confronted by resistance or jitters in the bond market, he backs down. Mr Trump has described the nickname as 'nasty', but he himself is the king of nicknames and clickbait-friendly put-downs. He repeatedly referred to his predecessor Joe Biden as 'Sleepy Joe'. He talked of 'Crooked Hillary' Clinton. He sums up his entire political philosophy in four letters – not Taco but 'Maga', which stands for 'Make America Great Again'. It's not clear exactly when America ceased to be great, but that isn't the point. Maga is a stroke of genius. It means that any American voter can think of anything in their lives that they don't like, and Mr Trump's slogan somehow might miraculously fix it. Outside the US, in some other countries Maga has come to mean 'Make America Go Away' and stop tariffs unsettling the world economy. There are even ruder terms in circulation that I won't quote here but which are used to describe the Trump-inspired market fluctuations. This market volatility has been noted by investors who – if they assume that tariff uncertainty is pushing markets up and down – may be able to choose how to buy in the dip and sell on the upturn at a profit. Reuters quoted Mark Spindel, the chief investment officer of Potomac River Capital, observing that the market is caught 'in a pinball machine as a result of [Mr Trump's] policymaking process'. The White House official line is that Taco and the other jibes are 'asinine acronyms', but the fact they have had to respond suggests Mr Trump and his staff are well aware of the communication skills involved in making a neat – if nasty – nickname or observation. It's a skill that Mr Trump has himself used for years. Why? Because it works. The stark truth about politics and economics in the 21st century is that most voters don't have the patience, the inclination or even the skills to analyse economic or trade policies. What tariff should be on imports of beef? How about cars or clothing or iPhones? What are the implications? Will the share prices of importers and manufacturers go up or down? Most of us don't know, and perhaps most of us don't care, until the car or washing machine or clothes we plan to buy suddenly go up in price. But a brief phrase or nasty nickname cuts through where a PhD in economics or a disquisition on the benefits of free trade may not. The Taco jibe has also sparked off a creative deluge of another kind. On social media there are now endless memes, some showing Mr Trump in a yellow chicken suit, sometimes covered in tacos. When popular culture picks up a meme or a slogan like this – as all those Maga hats prove – then words really do matter and they cut through. So what should Mr Trump do about the Taco jibe? Nothing, probably. Ignore it. But it will not go away. California Governor Gavin Newsom, a probable candidate for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination in 2028, jokes publicly that 'it's raining tacos'. Other Democrats, who have seemed silent or even neutered by the Trump blitz on Washington, have picked up the serious point. For them, the Taco jibe sums up in four letters the Trump administration's apparent economic incoherence in the way tariffs are being used. Until most voters notice changes in prices to the things they want to buy but can no longer afford, the economic arguments may be lost. But the political capital from the nickname, especially the alliteration of 'Taco Trump', is appearing on outlets ranging from the sober pages of The New York Times to the lower depths of clickbait social media. For Mr Trump's opponents, it's a useful propaganda tool. And it may have wider implications, too. This is a President who suggested he could end the Ukraine war in 24 hours, change China's lucrative US trade imbalances and solve the problems of Gaza. Faced with leaders like Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping and Benjamin Netanyahu, perhaps the Taco tag and the idea that 'Trump Always Chickens Out' is something the world's hard-nosed leaders may already be considering.
Forbes
02-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
‘Trump Always Chickens Out' (TACO) Has ‘Let's Go Brandon' Staying Power
President Donald Trump has long used nicknames to denigrate his political foes. The nicknames haven't ever been the cleverest, but that's never been the purpose; instead, they're meant to be memorable and unflattering, shaping the narrative around the individuals' perceived weaknesses. At the same time, nicknames haven't largely stuck with Trump. At least until now, as TACO could have staying power. There are already signs that Trump isn't the least bit happy as it continues to trend on social media with memes showing him as a chicken or eating tacos. Insulting nicknames have existed since the earliest days of the republic, with Vice President John Adams reportedly calling President George Washington "Mutton Head" when they disagreed. Other now-infamous nicknames include "Old Granny" as Rutherford B. Hayes was sometimes called, while Grover Cleveland was known as "Uncle Jumbo," a nickname not dissimilar to Bill Clinton being labeled "Bubba." It has long been impossible not to think of "Tricky Dick" Nixon or "President Malaise" Jimmy Carter, although the latter's death may put that one to rest for good. Social media may help create a lasting nickname that is more on the money than those that were coined by political foes, or from the editorial column of any paper of record. However, because the media cycle turns on a dime, TACO could fade away just as quickly as it emerged on the scene. "Already, the president has run through First Felon, Cadet Bone Spurs, Don the Con, and Impotus, and those are just the printable ones," explained Susan Campbell, distinguished lecturer in the College of Arts & Sciences at the University of New Haven. "I do not think, unlike in the past, any one nickname will stick throughout an entire presidential administration, social media has given us all new and faster ways to spread our name-calling, so while TACO might be the name of the day, it will most likely be replaced by something else," added Campbell. "Seems like President Trump has always been successful in handing out nicknames while no one has been able to return the favor," said Amy E. Bonebright, assistant professor of journalism in the Digital Media and Journalism Department at Liberty University. "TACO, coming from Wall Street on the heels of tariff policy more turbulent than the Bering Sea, might stick when whispered in backrooms or used in personal texts, but that's probably about it," Bonebright continued. "The president has a 100% buy-in when he bestows a nickname, but his opponents seem to lack the desire to publicly challenge him, likely worried about earning their own label." TACO could stick around, and that's because it is both a nickname and a slogan. "Trump Always Chickens Out" was coined by Financial Times columnist Robert Armstrong, who described how some investors have anticipated rebounds in the stock market from Trump's on-again, off-again tariff policies. As a slogan, it may have the staying power of "Let's Go Brandon," which gained traction after a September 2001 NASCAR race in which NBC Sports reporter Kelli Stavast incorrectly described a profane chant in the background as being in support of race winner Brandon Brown. It became the go-to slogan for critics of President Biden. TACO also has more than a single meaning, and that could help make it an even more powerful rallying cry for Trump's critics. It has also been used to mean "Treason Against Constitutional Order," highlighting how it has rapidly evolved from a meme into a cultural signal. "The rise of TACO is not just political snark, it is a cultural shorthand for public accountability," said Angli Gianchandani, global brand strategist and adjunct instructor of marketing and public relations at New York University. "In today's media landscape, attention is the new currency, and acronyms like this become emotional shortcuts. Just like 'Let's Go Brandon' before it, TACO reflects how narrative control has shifted from political campaigns to the comment section," added Gianchandani. "It is not a campaign slogan – it is a cultural signal, and in the algorithm age, that signal spreads faster than any press release. The real story here is not just the nickname, it is the erosion of message control and the rise of crowd-sourced branding." What is also notable is that Trump was visibly frustrated when asked about it by CNBC correspondent Megan Cassella. As CNN reported, officials have acknowledged that Trump thought he was called a chicken, while it also raised questions about how he uses tariffs as a bargaining tool. Trump reacted by saying it was a "nasty question," which could seem ironic given the nicknames the president has employed or his bluntness on hating Taylor Swift and posting a meme of him shooting a golf ball at Bruce Springsteen. "It is a real-time case study in how crowd-sourced branding now outpaces traditional messaging, and how meme culture functions as a form of modern accountability," said Gianchandani. "If I were on the Trump comms team," said Campbell, "I'd have quit months ago because this president doesn't lend himself to having a sense of humor about these nicknames."
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
115+ Nicknames for Stepmoms as Unique as She Is
A stepmother can be such a beautiful, additional blessing in a child's life. Many lucky children not only get one mom who loves them, but they get two! Make sure your stepmom knows that she has a special place in your heart with these interesting and unique nicknames for stepmoms. Take the word "mom" and give it a tweak. It might end up being the perfect nickname for the other mother in your life. Mimzie Mumzie Mimi MM - stands for "My Mom" S-Mom Mamacita - means "little mother" Mamoo Mams Aunt Mom Mama Bear Meems Momette Mombo Stom - a combination of "step" and "mom" Steppers Stepsie Mams Mammie Momily Momaloo Your stepmom is a boss lady. She is a take-charge, run-the-world superhuman who you admire and took up to. Let her nickname reflect her top dog nature. Alpha Mom Boss Lady Queen Bee Miss M -stands for Miss Mom Toughie Ma Maj - her majesty Sec - short for a mom who is the family secretary Exec Momager Enforcer Keeper - she is the keeper of the home Wonder Woman Honcho Super Steps Master S Major Mom Kitchen Queen Empress Team Leader F.C. - family coordinator If the banter and playfulness between you and your stepmom is something that you love and cherish, give her a funny nickname that will bring a smile to both of your faces. Mom Bomb Tiger Mom Faux Mom Stepmonster Dos - Spanish for the number 2 Twin Mom Mother Hen Uddermudder Other Mother The Repeat Mom 2: Electric Boogaloo Mamadukes M & M - because she is just too sweet ESM - evil stepmother, which is only funny because she totally is not evil Mama Llama S-awesome - for an awesome stepmother She has saved you in so many ways and while she didn't give birth to you, she is your mother in every sense of the word. Your stepmom deserves a sentimental nickname that highlights your love for her. MaLo - a combination of Ma and love Lovie - any child with a mommy and a lovie is a lucky kiddo Bonus Mom - because she really is a bonus to your life 2M - for second mother SS - sweet stepmom My (her name) - examples: My Christina or My Maria SheMa O-Ma - stands for "other mom" Mom-i-cle - part mom and part miracle The Beat - she is the beat of your heart Hero - enough said Mom-Star - she is a star to you Sugar Key - with her your secrets are under lock and key She raised you just like you were her own. These nicknames work for a stepmom who never thought twice about dedicating her life to you. ReMa - sweet nickname for someone you consider to be your real mom or a redo mom Net or Nettie - she is your safety net Hugs - your favorite thing from her Mama Soul - because she has yours G.A. - stands for guardian angel Glory Stepshine - play on sunshine Rock Faithful Step-Steady Compass Things between the two of you have not always been easy, but through it all, you and your stepmom continue to love and support one another in good times and in bad. These nicknames suit a stepmother who can be both a prize and a pill. Chain - you are the ball to her chain Sparring Partner Rumble Storms Fire - she is fire and you are ice, but you love each other, nonetheless Bumps Momplicated Rainbow - because there is beautiful after a storm Use your stepmother's first name to help you come up with a creative and personalized nickname for her. Here are some examples of stepmom nicknames that use birth names. Mamy - Amy Momica - Monica Mama "B" - a stepmother whose name begins with the letter "B" Marge in Charge - Marge Memma - Emma Momaline - Madeline Momstina - Christina Mava - Ava Millian - Lillian Mo Jo - Joleen, Joellen, Josephine Mummaliese - Annaliese If you call your biological mother "mom," think about using culture and heritage in your nickname for a stepmother who means the world to you. These words mean "mom" in different languages. Màna - Greek Matka - Polish Ammi - Urdu Mammy - Irish and Scottish Madre - Spanish Muminka - Czech Maman - French Mae - Portuguese Motina - Lithuanian Ema - Estonian Haha - Japanese Tina - Samoan Ina - Filipino Me - Vietnamese Mati - Croatian Anya - Hungarian While relationships between stepchildren and stepparents can be wonderful, beautiful, and enriching, they can also be tedious. With two moms in your life, you will want to make sure that each lady knows that they hold a special and unique space in your life. Choose nicknames for moms, both your birth mom and stepmom, that illustrate an equal footing and status. Nicknames can be witty and funny, but should never be offensive. Do not choose something that might cause hurt feelings.
The Sun
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Do YOU know the cheeky Brit nicknames for these body parts? Take the quiz to find out
TAKE this quiz to find out whether you're cheeky enough to name all the favourite anatomy nicknames from across the country. A recent poll has recently found one in three use comical names for different body parts like the "crown jewels". 1 The study of 2,000 adults revealed genitals are the most popular body part to be given a nickname. This was closely followed by breasts, backsides, stomachs and feet. The research was commissioned by Sure Whole Body Deodorants which worked with TV personality and content creator Chris Taylor and Grime Gran, aka Margie. They hit the streets to find out what the public call different parts of the body. Chris said: "I've been in my fair share of sweaty situations – and it definitely helps to break the tension by using a nickname. 'Having chatted to Londoners, it's clear we all get embarrassed when we don't feel fresh.' The study found that respondents in Northern England and the Midlands prefer the term "crown jewels" for male genitalia. Whereas in the East of England, people said they liked to use "meat and two veg". Breasts also have a range of names with "melons" most popular in the Midlands and "the girls" most popular in the South. When it came to nicknames for feet, "footsies" was the preferred term in the South compared to "trotters" in the North. But while nearly half of respondents use nicknames for a laugh, 30% said they did so in a bid to feel more comfortable with their body. Nearly a third said they rely on alternative names to make conversation less awkward. Brits were also found to be more likely to give nicknames to the body parts they're self conscious at 66% while 13% admitted they use more colloquial terms daily. But the research revealed it's not just the names of body parts that leave people feeling self conscious. Over 68% said they worried about "FOBO" (Fear of Body Odour) in areas other than their underarms. Genitals, feet and backsides were the most common places people experienced bad odour. Alice Duffill, for Sure Whole Body Deodorant, which uses odour adapt technology to help tackle various odour types found across the body, said: 'Our research shows Brits have a cheeky sense of humour when it comes to their own bodies. 'But these playful nicknames aren't just for fun as they also help people speak more confidently about their bodies. 'Our research found that nearly half of Brits admit to fearing B.O. as a result of sweating, so we're proud to launch a UK-first product to help Brits feel confident in their bodies.' If you're an expert on what Brits call their bits and know your "bazookas" from your "paddles", you can take the quiz above.
Grazia USA
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Grazia USA
From 'Bennifer' to 'DraLo': The Rise & Impact of Celebrity Couple Nicknames
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 26: Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck are seen on September 26, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Gotham/GC Images) Celebrity couple nicknames have become a language of their own — compact, catchy, and endlessly memeable. From 'Brangelina' to 'Bennifer' and 'DraLo,' these portmanteaus have taken on a cultural life beyond the couples themselves. We're taking a look at why these nicknames matter — and what they really say about our obsession with famous love stories. The Birth of the Celebrity Couple Nickname While it might feel like a phenomenon born with the rise of the internet, celebrity couple nicknames go back decades. In the 1920s, the Hollywood power couple Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford were affectionately referred to as 'Pickfair.' But it wasn't until 'Bennifer' (Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck's original early-2000s romance) that the trend really exploded into the pop culture mainstream. From there, the media ran wild: 'Brangelina,' 'TomKat,' 'Kimye' — each one more headline-friendly than the last. The formula was simple, but the influence ran deep. SANTA MONICA, CA – JANUARY 07: Actress Angelina Jolie and actor Brad Pitt inside at the 13th ANNUAL CRITICS' CHOICE AWARDS at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium on January 7, 2008 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Chris Polk/WireImage) Why Do We Love Them? These nicknames aren't just linguistic shortcuts — they're branding tools, cultural shorthand, and emotional symbols. According to linguistics experts, name blending gives fans a sense of intimacy and participation in a celebrity's life. It creates a feeling of ownership or insider knowledge. Suddenly, you're not just watching their love story unfold — you're part of it. They also make for great tabloid copy. One name, endless intrigue. And in some cases, these nicknames transcend the couples themselves, becoming a kind of legacy. Case in point: 'Brangelina' is still used even though Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie split years ago. The Downside of the Portmanteau But there's a dark side to the nickname game. When couples become brands, they're often held to impossible standards. Public scrutiny intensifies. Personal issues go viral. And when the relationship ends, the label doesn't always go away. Ben Affleck has spoken openly about how the 'Bennifer' media circus impacted his career, noting that the focus on his personal life began to eclipse his work. It's the double-edged sword of celebrity coupling: the spotlight amplifies everything — both good and bad. NEW YORK, UNITED STATES: US actors Jennifer Lopez (L) and boyfriend Ben Affleck (R) arrive at the premiere of Lopez's new film 'Maid in Manhattan' in New York 08 December 2002. AFP PHOTO Doug KANTER (Photo credit should read DOUG KANTER/AFP via Getty Images) The Psychology Behind the Trend So why are we so obsessed with these nicknames? Experts say it's tied to our fascination with love, identity, and narrative. Portmanteaus like 'Bennifer' or 'DraLo' offer a sense of unity — suggesting that two people have become one story. It's romantic, it's convenient, it's viral-ready. But it also speaks to how we process celebrity culture as entertainment. When we label couples, we make them easier to follow, root for, or even critique. In some ways, it's no different from shipping fictional characters — only the stakes are real. Enter: DraLo As reports swirled about Jennifer Lopez's new relationship post-Affleck, the internet quickly dubbed her rumored romance 'DraLo' — a nod to rapper Drake and, of course, her own iconic nickname. Whether a celebrity relationship actually goes the distance or not doesn't change the impact of one's nickname. Once the name catches on, it becomes a part of the celebrity lexicon. It's a reminder that in 2025, even the idea of a relationship is enough to trigger headlines, hashtags, and linguistic fanfare. Final Thoughts Celebrity couple nicknames are more than media fluff — they're cultural snapshots, symbols of connection, and reflections of our collective fascination with love in the limelight. As much as they shape how we talk about stars, they also reveal something about us: our desire to turn romance into narrative, and narrative into something we can all share.
