The concept of 外号 (wàihào) is culturally richer than the English “nickname.” In the West, a nickname is often a simple diminutive (e.g., Michael → Mike, Jennifer → Jen) or a term of endearment. A Chinese 外号, however, is almost always descriptive and earned.
Social Bonding vs. Individuality: Whereas a Western nickname can be chosen by the individual, a 外号 is bestowed by the group. The act of giving and accepting a 外号 is a rite of passage into a social group—be it a circle of friends, a sports team, or close colleagues. It signifies, “We know you well enough to give you this special name, and you are close enough to us to accept it.” This reflects a more collectivist value, where your identity is partly defined by your relationships and your role within the group.
The Nature of the Nickname: A 外号 can be based on:
Physical Traits: e.g., “四眼” (sìyǎn, “four eyes”) for someone with glasses, or “高个儿” (gāogèr, “tall one”).
Personality: e.g., “开心果” (kāixīn guǒ, “happy fruit”) for a cheerful person who makes everyone laugh.
A Pun on their Name: Someone named “马伟 (Mǎ Wěi)” might be called “马尾” (mǎwěi, “ponytail”).
A Memorable Incident: Someone who once spilled a whole pot of soup might be jokingly called “汤司令” (Tāng Sīlìng, “Commander Soup”).
The key is that a 外号 is rarely neutral; it carries a story and a specific social connotation.