Key:nickname

nickname=* is used to tag an official or commonly used nickname for a feature. Also called an epithet or byname, a nickname is a descriptive or fanciful stand-in for the actual name of a feature. For example, New York City is known as "The Big Apple" while New York State is known as "The Empire State". The nicknames of cities, regions, landforms, etc. can often be found on signage.

How to map

Add the name using the nickname=* tag. Multiple values can be separated with semicolons. As with other name tags, language code suffixes can be used to specify nicknames in other languages, like nickname:en=* or nickname:es=*. Optionally, add the source of the nickname using source:nickname=*.

Nicknames should be in a format that can stand-in for a feature's actual name in a sentence. Thus, definite articles should be included if applicable. For example, Detroit should be tagged nickname=The Motor City not nickname=Motor City, since one could replace "I'm driving to Detroit" with "I'm driving to the Motor City". It would sound incorrect to say "I'm driving to Motor City". Data consumers can easily strip off definite articles if desired but they cannot confidently add them on.

When not to use

If a name fits under another name tag, such as short_name=*, official_name=*, alt_name=*, or mtb:name=* use that tag instead.

If a name is used mainly by locals and is relatively informal, consider using loc_name=*. For example, Philadelphia would be tagged as loc_name=Philly but also nickname=The City of Brotherly Love.

Some places do not have nicknames but have mottoes or slogans listed instead. Do not put these values under nickname=*. When in doubt, remember that a nickname should be able to replace the name in a sentence.

Some places are given derisive nicknames by their detractors (e.g. "Crime City"). These can range from mocking to highly offensive and should generally not be tagged unless they are well documented on the ground.

Gallery

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  A nickname sign that has become a local landmark
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  Road nickname
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  Nickname on a license plate
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  "Sin City" is a nickname for Las Vegas, Nevada. While some may consider this derisive, the name can be found on the ground