What’s the story behind your nickname?

In Kerala, where the coconut trees sway and the backwaters whisper, nicknames are a way of life. My nickname, Monu, is a classic for boys in my home state. Allow me to share the quirky charm of Kerala’s naming traditions and why I’m secretly excited to one day be called “Monu Appuppa.”

The Heart of Kerala’s Nicknames

In Malayalam, the language that binds Kerala’s soul, boys are affectionately called mon and girls mol. These are playful shorthand for the proper terms makan (son) and makal (daughter). But here’s the catch: spellings shift and pronunciations twist every fifty kilometers across our lush state. It’s a linguistic adventure, as fluid as Kerala’s monsoons.

As a child, Monu felt perfect—cute, catchy, and carefree. It rolled off the tongue during schoolyard games and family gatherings. But as the years pile on, and the hair on my head thins to a distinguished shade of silver (or vanishes entirely), Monu starts to feel… well, a bit out of place. A grown man with a mortgage and creaky knees answering to a childhood nickname? It raises eyebrows.

The Grandfatherly Twist

Now, imagine this: me, a grandfather, being called Monu Appuppa. In my corner of Kerala, appuppa means grandfather—a term brimming with warmth and wisdom. But pair it with Monu? That’s a recipe for chuckles. Picture a gaggle of grandkids giggling as they call out to their Monu Appuppa during Onam celebrations or while sneaking extra jackfruit chips. It’s comic, heartwarming, and quintessentially Malayali.

The idea of my nickname evolving into this grandfatherly moniker fills me with anticipation. It’s a reminder that in Kerala, names aren’t just labels—they’re stories, carrying the weight of childhood memories and the promise of future joys.

Why It Matters

Nicknames like Monu are more than quirky traditions; they’re threads in Kerala’s cultural tapestry. They connect generations, spark laughter, and remind us to stay rooted, no matter how far we roam. So, here’s to embracing Monu today and looking forward to the day I’m proudly Monu Appuppa—bald, wise, and ready for grandkid shenanigans.