If you grew up in Liverpool there's a good chance your mates will call you by your nickname rather than your actual name.
It seems giving your friends nicknames is definitely a Liverpool thing, a perfect example being the history of creative and often hilarious nicknames bestowed on dockers by their workmates.
The life of a docker comprised of backbreaking and sometimes incredibly dangerous work.
READ MORE: 26 fascinating photos of Liverpool dockers at work and play
Working long shifts at the quayside, the nicknames they gave each other were often an expression of camaraderie while the desire to make each other laugh helped them get through the tough days.
The exploits of dock workers have also provided generations of comedians with material, and many children will remember hearing their fathers and grandfathers' tales of life on the docks with great fondness.
Former Post and ECHO picture editor Stephen Shakeshaft who covered the lives of dock workers for more than 40 years once said: “Whoever sold caps went out of business when the dockers were trimmed down – it was their trademark.
“They are unique people. Proud, strong workers with an unmatchable sense of humour and a camaraderie you won’t find anywhere else in the world.”
Following last week's photo story on Liverpool dockers at work and play, we've listed some of the best nicknames dockers we've heard over the years. They're by no means exhaustive and if you have a particular favourite that's not included, let us know in the comments.
The bird doctor
He's always saying: "This lark's no good".
The London fog
He never lifts.
The lazy solicitor
He's always found asleep on the case.
Cinderella
Always leaves at five-to-twelve.
The sheriff
Often heard saying: "Alright lads, where's the hold up?"
The weightlifter
He waits while you lift.
The clergyman
Never has a Sunday off.
Little Red Riding Hood
Always goes to his grandma's for his dinner.
The jelly
Often heard saying: "A bit more overtime and I'm set".
The Man from Planet X
Would say: "What on Earth is this all about?"
Dr Jekyll
Would say often: "I need a change".
The ghost
Always moaning.
The surgeon
The wag who always has everyone in stitches.
Swan Vesta
Always on strike.
Lord Nelson
Would say: "Keep an eye out for the boss".
Storm lamp
Never goes out.
Sell the bed
Always doing night shifts.
The reluctant plumber
Won't do a tap (i.e. bone idle).
The destroyer
Always after subs.
Blood donor
A very pale docker.
Diesel fitter
Always opening cases and saying "Dees'll fit the wife," or "Dees'll do the kids".
High noon
Keeps telling his workmates: "I'll be shooting at 12".
Fill the pram
His wife gave birth every year.
Lino
Was always found on the floor.
Mints
Never arrived on the job until after eight.
The baldy rabbit
Could often be heard saying: "Lend us a tenner, I've lost me fare (fur)."
The balloon
Would say: "Don't let me down lads".
The broken boomerang
Never comes back.
The lobster
Would say: "I've got to go home, one of my nippers is bad".
The man in black
Always going to a funeral
The mangy cat
Kicked out of every yard on the docks.
The vicar
Heard shouting down the hatch: "'Ay men".
Wonderman
When unloading crates he would always pipe up: "I wonder what's in this one?"
Perry Mason
Would always say: "I'll take this case".
The blister
Always turns up after the hard work is done
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