Nickname ‘Dick’ has its ups, downs

Dear Annie: I read the letter from “Richard,” who was named for a hero of World War II, but whose nickname (“Dick”) elicits snickers. My name is Richard, and my friends call me Dick. I’m 79 and 6-foot-4. I was football captain in high school, played at university, and spent four years as a military police paratrooper, so I have a few advantages working for me.

But I have never understood why anyone would worry about hurting the feelings of some nitwit who failed to show the respect that any person deserves. A few times over the years I’ve suggested to the speaker that he stuff that comment where it belongs and said I’d be glad to assist if he needed any help, although none of them seemed to need help. They didn’t bother me again, nor did they attempt to socialize with me at all, but it was their loss, not mine. Richard sounds like he’s capable of the same approach but chooses not to use it. Perhaps he should. – Another Richard

Dear Richard: We were surprised at the number of men named Richard who wrote to us about their names and nicknames. Read on for a sampling:

Boston: My idea of the best response would be: “I was named for a war hero. How about you?”

Fort Dodge, Iowa: An acquaintance named “Dick” has a good line he uses when he anticipates an unflattering remark might be on its way during introductions. He says, “My given name is Richard, but my friends call me ‘Big Dick.”‘ This is especially amusing because he is rather short in stature.

Salem, Ore.: My name is Richard, too. I pursued a career in theater early on and thought that referring to myself as “Dick” might be less cumbersome on my resume. I was fortunate enough to land a major role in a Broadway musical about to embark on a national tour. But when we arrived at the first theater, I discovered that the producer’s office had Freudishly changed my first name to “Peter.” After that, I reverted to Richard.