Author Diana Gabaldon is not only the creator of one of the world's most popular series of books - but also a dab hand at creating cute nicknames.
The writer exchanged messages with actor Sam Heughan after a fan revealed it was eight years ago that he was cast in his iconic Outlander role.
A fan tagged the Scottish actor in the original Starz tweet from 2013, which showed a photo of a very young-looking Sam (with black hair no less), revealing he had been cast as Jamie Fraser.
To which he replied: "Awww thank you all for supporting us and making the job so worthwhile! What a journey, what a character! Most thanks to Gabs herself.”
Diana then pitched in, revealing her adorable nickname for Sam, writing: “Same to you, Sheugs!
"Wouldn't be the same show without you, and Jamie and I are much obliged.”
A nice play on the fact that Shug is a common nickname for Scots called Hugh; as well as being cute, it Diana showed off her great understanding of Scottish culture.
Their followers then lavished praise on both, with many grateful for their work in bringing Jamie to life.
One wrote: "Sam took the character you created and brilliantly brought him to life. Thank you both for giving us Jamie Fraser, the king of men and king of our hearts."
While another added: "BIG appreciation/applause/accolades to the talents of both. Sam for your fantastic portrayal of an oh-so-romantic-alfa[sic]-male, and the brilliant mind of Diana, who gave us Jamie Fraser in the first place!"
One fan thanked Sam for auditioning in the first place, adding: "Your discovery has made millions of people very happy.”
The Balmaclellan-born actor recently announced that he will be funding a 10-year programme to allow aspiring artists to follow in his footsteps at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland where he graduated with a BA in Acting in 2003.
With three annual scholarships for undergraduate students in the School of Drama, Dance, Production and Film.
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