The discussion revolves around the appropriate shortened version of the name Rafael, specifically whether it should be "Rafe" or "Rafa." Participants explore the implications of using nicknames in formal writing, particularly in the context of a report being prepared for a job in Mexico.
Participants generally agree on the idea that using full names is preferable in formal contexts, but there is no consensus on whether "Rafe" or "Rafa" is the correct shortened version of Rafael. Multiple competing views remain regarding the use of nicknames and their appropriateness.
Participants express uncertainty about the cultural implications of using nicknames in different contexts, particularly in relation to Spanish names. There is also a lack of definitive evidence regarding the popularity or correctness of the shortened forms.
).That would be an easy way out, but it isn't my report, so I don't know if that'll work. I'll try.Moonbear said:I vote that you just use his full name rather than a nickname in a report... Even if you're on a first name/nickname basis with someone, in technical/formal writing, you still should avoid using nicknames (and then you don't have to figure out how to spell them
I don't think it's quite that black and white. Some names more readily reduce to their nicnames than others. Take mine, for example: I rarely use "Russell" in anything but the most formal of communications. Edward/Ed is another good example. Jason/Jay is probably one you wouldn't reduce, but not being Spanish, I don't know how Rafael ranks in that. I'll probably take Moonbear's suggestion anyway, though.Evo said:
Although I think it must be Rafa.Eh, yeah, I'm getting mixed results. The news results were almost all for the same person. I wasn't really thinking. It's bugging me now, so I'm still looking. (Yes, I'm strange.)russ_watters said:
My name doesn't reduce to any sort of nickname. I used to hate that when I was a kid and everyone else had nicknames...I felt left out. But, as an adult, I like it...my name is my name, and there are no issues of anyone taking liberties in using a nickname I don't like. One of my friends was absolutely crazy about making sure her kids' names couldn't be turned into nicknames. She was adamant that whatever she named her kids were the names they should be called, so both kids have very short names...I can only imagine she must have had a bad nickname experience as a child.russ_watters said:
What do you think about "Moonie"?Moonbear said:
Oh, I meant my real name. I think it's hysterical that my nickname here has nicknames.russ_watters said:
