VARIATIONS OF NICKNAMES WITHIN GORONTALO CULTURE

Nicknames serve not only as identity markers but also as reflections of social and cultural relationships within a community. This descriptive qualitative research examines the variation of nicknames in Gorontalo culture and the social and cultural factors that influence their formation. Data were collected through a survey of 66 participants, of whom 42 had nicknames with a total of 40 variations. These variations were classified into sound imitation (3), distinctive characteristics (21), abbreviation (4), resemblance (9), and place of origin (3). The findings reveal that social and cultural factors significantly shape these nicknames, including the use of local language, specific suffixes, and integration of popular culture. This study highlights that nicknames are not only tools for identification but also reinforce social bonds and maintain local cultural values