The workplace nickname mistake Shelly warns could result in a trip to HR

If you have been scrolling on TikTok long enough, you'll come across radio announcers and podcast hosts bantering about work nicknames and dissolving into fits of giggles.

The humble work nickname – sometimes a badge of honour, sometimes a cause for a cringe, and occasionally, a trip straight to HR.

We've all heard them, and many of us have them. 

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It turns out nicknames say quite a bit about workplace culture, bonding, and the dynamics of our daily grind.

It could be a way to break the ice, a nod to an inside joke, or simply a faster way to say, "Elizabeth from accounting" (sorry, Elizabeth). But, whatever the reason, they stick like gum under a boardroom table.

What's fascinating is how these nicknames can shape relationships. They can be a sign of acceptance into a workplace tribe, or a gentle (or not-so-gentle) nudge about workplace behaviours.

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And while they're mostly in good fun, they can occasionally tread into territory that requires a bit of diplomacy to navigate.

There is a secret sauce to nicknaming, it should always come from a place of fun and camaraderie, never from spite or annoyance.

The best nicknames are those that make everyone chuckle – including the person it's coined for. Remember, the goal is to foster a friendly office culture, not to alienate or upset anyone.

Here are some of my favourites:

Hostage: Always "tied up" with something, this person is the master of being unavailable due to perpetual meetings or deadlines.

Limo: Like a stretch limousine, they manage to carry eight other people along for the ride, often picking up slack for the rest of the team.

Trapdoor: Beware walking by their desk! Like a spider luring flies, they're ready to pull you into the latest office gossip.

Stingrays: Often found loitering with hands on hips, (making the stingray shape) overseeing everything with a critical eye. Hello to our beloved safety officers.

Perth: Always a few hours behind the rest of us, Perth is the one who's just catching up on the news everyone else discussed over lunch.

Shania: Borrowing from Ms Twain herself, these colleagues "don't impress you much," always managing to fall just a bit short of expectations.

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Turbo: Always operating at high speed, Turbo finishes tasks with a velocity that leaves co-workers in awe (and sometimes a little dizzy).

Paper Straw: Perfect for the colleague who starts strong but might not have the endurance for a marathon task. 

Sensor Light: The co-worker who springs to life and shines brightest when the boss is around. 

Mirror: A colleague whose go-to response is inevitably, "I'm looking into it." 

Panda: Not just a cute animal, but in the office jungle, a "Panda" is a protected species – someone who, despite being rather unproductive, seems immune to consequences. It's a delicate mix of frustration and admiration from the team.

Magician: Need a problem to vanish? Call the Magician, who makes office challenges disappear with a flick of their proverbial wand.

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Cyclone: A pesimist who is always ready to rain on any parade with their slow-moving depression.  It can only be used tongue in cheek!

Taxi: A bit of a backhanded compliment as it refers to those who are seen as costly because they carry the team – essential but expensive.

Workplace nicknames are a fun reflection of who you are in the workplace, but they also offer a tiny mirror into how you're viewed by your peers.

So, whether your workplace nickname is a gem or a gentle jab, wear it with a bit of pride. It's a sign that you're more than just a name on the payroll—you are part of the peculiar, perplexing, and often pretty hilarious family we call our co-workers.