Sobriquet

A sobriquet (/ˈsoʊbrɪˌkeɪ, -ˌkɛt, ˌsoʊbrɪˈkeɪ, -ˈkɛt/ SOH-brih-kay, -⁠ket, -⁠KAY, -⁠KET), or soubriquet, is a nickname, sometimes assumed, but often given by another, that is descriptive. A sobriquet is distinct from a pseudonym in that it is typically a familiar name used in place of a real name without the need of explanation, and it often becomes more familiar than the original name.

The term sobriquet may apply to the nickname for a specific person, group of people, or place. Examples are "Emiye Menelik", a name of Emperor Menelik II of Ethiopia, who was popularly and affectionately recognized for his kindness ("emiye" means "mother" in Amharic); "Genghis Khan", who now is rarely recognized by his original name Temüjin ("Genghis Khan" means "universal ruler" in Mongolian); and Mohandas Gandhi, who is better known as "Mahatma" Gandhi ("mahatma" means "great soul" in Sanskrit). Well-known places often have sobriquets, such as New York City, often referred to as the "Big Apple", or Rome, nicknamed the "Eternal City".