NEGATIVE NICKNAMING PATTERNS, POSSIBLE CAUSES AND EFFECTS AMONG YOUTHS IN MALAY COMMUNITY

Negative nicknaming is a pervasive form of verbal bullying that significantly impacts the psychological and social development of youths. This study investigates the patterns, underlying motivations, and emotional consequences of negative nicknaming among Malay youths, with a focus on how these experiences influence identity, confidence, and peer relationships. Using a mixed-methods survey distributed to 100 students at Universiti Teknologi MARA, Pulau Pinang, the findings reveal that 66% of respondents had received negative nicknames, most commonly from friends (61%). The most prevalent nickname themes were related to physical appearance (69.45%), followed by derogatory terms targeting behavior, intelligence, sexual references, and ethnicity. Notably, motivations for negative nicknaming included teasing or mocking (48.2%), lowering self-confidence (24.4%), asserting dominance (12.9%), and expressing disapproval (11.9%). The psychological impact is evident, with many participants reporting feelings of hurt, embarrassment, and reduced self-esteem. These findings align with existing literature that frames name-calling as a mechanism of social control, exclusion, and identity distortion. Future research should explore the longitudinal impacts and cross-cultural comparisons to deepen understanding of this issue.