Yesterday, Chase Utley took out an ad in the Philadelphia Inquirer to thank everyone for his time in Philadelphia. In that letter, he refers to Phillies past and present by nickname. Which of these nicknames are good? Which are bad?
A hallmark of any close social group is the conveyance of nicknames upon all of its component members. In many instances, it is important that these nicknames not become too well known outside the specific group so as not to bore outsiders with lengthy explanations of the not-that-funny inside joke that makes up the etymological ground of a particular nickname.