It happens in many families. It can occur in the workplace as well.

Somehow, someone will come up with a nickname for a family member or coworker.

Sometimes they are cute names that express a person’s special look or funny mannerism. Most nicknames are given without malice.

Newsrooms could be rich with funny name calling, mostly in jest. An ace reporter might get the “Jimmy Olson” tagline if he was particularly aggressive. It was a compliment to be called a news hound as well.

Families are where most nicknames originate.

When I entered the Ziegler family, it became clear there was a pecking order to the nicknames. “Big Zig” was my father-in-law, leaving my husband simply called “Zig” or “Ziggy.”

Our son collected the “Zig” title as well and soon nearly towered over his dad. That left a discussion about who was really the bigger “Zig.”

With the last name of Hamm, my brothers were often called “Hammer” by their friends or football teammates. Some of those monikers have remained well into their adult lives.

My dad had nicknames for some of us as well.

A youngest sister was sometimes called “Snoopy,” and the youngest brother was given the nickname of “Turtle” by some of us.

However our dad was known to call him “Jimmy James.”

We’re really not sure why such names were chosen.

Because of my long first name, I have been relegated to being called “Hess” and my oldest sister Marilyn has been tagged with “Moo” for as long as I can remember.

The more formal surnames such as “Denise” wound up as “Denny.” “Robert ” became “Bobby” and Matthew simply became “Matt” or even “Matty.” Gregory is “Greg.” You get the picture. One sister’s formal name was reduced to two initials “K.C.”

My oldest brother carried our dad’s name, thus becoming a junior. However, instead of being called “Harry,” he was tagged with “Herk.”

It was Herk’s wife Jeanie who gave the most unique and often misunderstood nickname to all of us.

She lovingly called us “Boogers.” From anyone else, you might think it was a putdown, but not from Jeanie. With her infectious laugh and broad smile, we knew she meant it in the best way.

We lost Jeanie suddenly this week, and we are still trying to figure out how to let go of no more “Boogers.” Rest peacefully, Jeanie. We miss you already.

Heather Ziegler can be reached via email at hziegler@theintelligencer.net.