How Many Names Have I Had?
My mom chose my name because she thought it couldn’t be shortened into a nickname. Well, friends and family have been creative.
It Started Early
Here’s the part that I find a little funny. My mom gave me my first nickname. It started when I was very young, when she called me Lettetjie. It evolved into Lettetjie, from the name my cousin called me.
My cousin, Estelle and I, are about the same age. She was born with many health issues, including a severe speech impediment. There are too many ‘c’ and ‘s’ sounds in my name, so she just called me Let. Although Estelle created the name, my mom claimed it and made it her own.
I know when I’m in trouble because my mom uses my ‘real’ name, Celeste. Let, is used when all is well and Lettetjie (pronounced Let-ticky) comes out when she’s being really affectionate.
My Friends Used My Height
Maybe I should say my lack of height. I’m 5 feet ‘tall’ and most of my friends are a good few inches taller. They would stand next to me and lean their arm on my shoulder. It drove me crazy.
I would get annoyed and move away. That’s how I earned the nickname, PLP — public leaning post. It was never meant to be…
