Nicknames are funny little things. They often start as throwaway comments and somehow stick for life. My family took nicknaming to the next level. From “Fizzbuzz” (me, thanks to my wild hair) to my great-grandfather, “Chuckle Head” (because he supposedly had a head the size of a globe), we didn’t just use nicknames — we embraced them. But a few, like my Uncle Nick’s “Butsy” and my dad’s “Gus,” needed some sleuthing to uncover their origins.

Uncle Nick: AKA “Butsy”

Uncle Nick’s nickname, “Butsy,” is funny enough on its own. But why “Butsy”? The relatives who might’ve explained this are long gone, leaving us to piece together theories like amateur detectives. Thankfully, my cousin Veronica unearthed three possible stories:

1. The Diaper Disaster Theory

Back in the cloth diaper days, Nick’s little bottom was compared to the smudged end of a cigarette butt. If that image doesn’t make you cringe, you have a stronger stomach than most.

2. The Ham Hypothesis

Another story says baby Nick often lay naked on his stomach, his rear resembling the plump, rounded end of a ham. Honestly, I’m not sure if this explanation is better or worse than the first.

3. The Punny Guest Incident

Uncle Joe, Nick’s younger brother, claimed it started when their mom, Mamie, had guests over. One visitor said, “Look at Joe!” to which Mamie replied, “But see Nick!” Say it fast enough, and you get “Butsy.” A classic case of wordplay gone rogue.

My Dad: AKA “Gus”

While Uncle Nick’s nickname was quirky, my dad’s nickname, “Gus,” remains a mystery. Born Lawrence, he was called Gus for as long as anyone can remember. My mom said it came from “Guttersnipe Gus,” a comic strip character from the late 1920s. The comic has proven hard to track down, but the name itself speaks volumes.

If you’re unfamiliar, Merriam-Webster defines “guttersnipe” as “a young vagabond”. Oxford English Dictionary adds, “a scruffy and badly behaved child who spends most of their time on the street.” Not exactly a compliment.

Apparently, as a kid, my dad was always dirty from playing in the gutter. Thus, “Guttersnipe Gus” was born. Whether the nickname came from the comic or my family just liked the sound of it is unclear. What is clear is that the name stuck. Gus he remained, even long after the gutters were left behind.

What’s in a Nickname?

Nicknames are usually terms of endearment, but in my family, they feel more like roasts wrapped in affection. Whether you’re Fizzbuzz, Butsy, Gus, or Chuckle Head, the names stick, and you wear them like a badge of honor—or maybe mild embarrassment.

Not every nickname has a glamorous backstory, but they all share one thing: proof that no one can lovingly roast you quite like family.

So, the next time you give someone a quirky nickname, remember: you might just be creating a family legacy. If it ends up as bizarre as Butsy or Gus, you’ll have given them something to laugh (or cringe) about for years to come. You’re welcome.