American nicknames...

Ever since I came to America, more than 36 years ago, I've puzzled with nicknames in this country. The usage of nicknames is much more widespread than in France and my mind was dazzled with the Teds, Neds, Kims, Dicks and other Kips that were waltzing around my astounded ears.

Today, I know what most of them mean or at least come from and by sheer solidarity have long adopted one of my own...