Almost everyone in India has a nickname. In some cases, the nickname is more popular than the person’s official name. The idea of nicknames is so common in the country that a recent study by Snapchat and YouGov into the culture of nicknames in India reveals that the practice is more widespread than we think. The survey shows that 96% of Indians have used a nickname at some point in their lives.
The study further highlights that the five most common nicknames in India are Sonu, Babu, Chotu, Annu and Chintu. Sticking with the regional names, in North India, Golu and Sunny are the supreme kings while Ammu and Macha are very popular in the southern region. In the eastern regions, Shona and Mishti, while the West likes Pinky and Dada.
Significantly, 60 percent of those surveyed admitted to receiving their nicknames in childhood or during school, and many Gen Zs, people born between 1996 and 2010, use them online on their social media platforms. Using nicknames not only makes them look cool, but also allows them to be used as passwords to protect your privacy or make them easier to remember.
Since nicknames are so important to people across the country, Snapchat has decided to make them even more special. The multimedia instant messaging app has unveiled two new nickname-based augmented reality (AR) glasses: ‘India’s Best Nicknames’ and ‘My Nickname’. These new AI glasses were inspired by the company’s recent study on nicknames.
Speaking about the fun new AI glasses for nicknames, Kanishk Khanna, Director Media Partnerships – APAC, Snap Inc, said: “Nicknames are such an integral part of Indian life and are given to us by our real connections – friends or family. We wanted to share some fun discoveries about Indian nicknames: from the weird and wacky to the eccentric, romantic and downright funny, this personalized AR experience of nicknames will help bring users closer to their inner circle and enable fun and excitement. pleasure to share nicknames”. .
Snapchat new nickname AR Lenses
The joint study of Snapchat and YouGov has inspired Snap to create two new Nickname-themed Augmented Reality (AR) Lenses on Snapchat: ‘India’s Best Nicknames’ and ‘My Nickname’. The first Lens includes five custom skins with India’s favorite nicknames, while the second Lens allows Snapchat users to create their own custom nickname.
These fun lenses are designed to allow Snapchatters to proudly adopt their unique nicknames and share them with their friends and family. Whether it’s Guddu, Sunny, Tinku, Angel or Baby, AR glasses personalized with the Snapchat nickname provide a fun way to celebrate individuality and foster personal connections.
Snapchat notes that the two nickname lenses will be available in India from June 21. Users can search ‘IN Top Nicknames’ and ‘My Nickname IN’ in the lens carousel for fun. Here is a step by step guide to using Snapchat lenses.
How to Use Nickname Lenses on Snapchat
- Open the Snapchat app on your phone.
- Tap the Lens icon in the upper right corner of the screen.
- In the lens carousel, search for “India’s Best Nicknames” or “My Nickname”.
- Once you find the lens you want to use, tap on it to activate it.
- Point your phone at your face and the lens will appear on your screen.
- You can move your head to view the lens from different angles.
- To take a photo or record a video with the lens, tap the Capture button.
- To share your photo or video, tap the Send button.
