sobriquet

noun

so·​bri·​quet ˈsō-bri-ˌkā 

-ˌket;

ˌsō-bri-ˈkā,

-ˈket 

variants or less commonly soubriquet

ˈsō-bri-ˌkā 

-ˌket,

ˈsü-;

ˌsō-bri-ˈkā,

-ˈket,

ˌsü-

: a descriptive name or epithet : nickname

Did you know?

This synonym of nickname has the same meaning in modern French as it does in English. In Middle French, however, its earlier incarnation soubriquet referred to both a nickname and a tap under the chin. Centuries later, the connection between these two meanings isn't clear, but what is clear is that the "nickname" meaning of sobriquet was well established in French by the time English speakers borrowed the term in the 17th century—and was the only meaning that was adopted. In current English, the spelling sobriquet is most common, but soubriquet is also an accepted variant.

Synonyms

• alias
• byname
• cognomen
• epithet
• handle
• moniker
• monicker
• nickname
• surname

Examples of sobriquet in a Sentence

Baseball player Ty Cobb was also known by the sobriquet “The Georgia Peach.”

tagged her with the sobriquet “peanut” because of her diminutive size

Recent Examples on the Web

Such as holding court, choosing your sobriquet, and naming imbecilic lickspittles to our Kingsguard. —Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 7 July 2024

At the Charleston Place, instructors Caroline Riley and Anne Ruder take inspiration from the city’s nickname for their own sobriquet: Holy Mahj. —Kinsey Gidicl, Travel + Leisure, 2 Mar. 2024

Justice remained eternally grateful for the naval officer’s sobriquet. —Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024

Over the years, a variety of sobriquets have been used to describe overweight ballplayers. —Bill Swank, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Dec. 2023

Word History

Etymology

French

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined above

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Kids Definition

sobriquet

noun

so·​bri·​quet

variants also soubriquet

ˈsō-bri-ˌkā,

-ˌket;

ˌsō-bri-ˈkā,

-ˈket

: a descriptive name or phrase : nickname