First place Quote by Jennifer Echols
““The only people who ever called me were my dad, my brother, assorted Vaders to tell me to come early or late to work (including Sean, but he always sounded grumpy that he had to call me, so it wasn’t as big a thrill as you’d think), Tammy to tell me to come early or late to tennis practice, and Frances. I glanced at the caller ID screen and clicked the phone on. “What’s up, Fanny?” From the time Mom died until I was eleven, Frances the au pair had hung out in the background of my life. Once Sean overheard someone calling her Fanny, whch apparently is a nickname for Frances. We found this shocking. I mean, who has a nickname that’s a synonym for derriere? Who’s named Frances in the first place? So the boys started calling her Fanny the Nanny. Then, Booty the Babysitter. Then, Butt I Don’t Need a Governess. This had everything to do with the nickname Fanny and the fact that she tried not to get upset at being addressed in this undignified manner when she was trying to raise compassionate, responsible children. It had nothing to do with her having an outsized rumpus. Frances had a cute figure, if you could see it under all that hippie-wear.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: Personal memoir excerpt, 2020
The narrator recounts how a caregiver’s nickname, derived from a bodily term, became a source of teasing, highlighting sensitivity and respect in relationships.
In simple terms: A caregiver’s nickname caused teasing, showing need for respect.
Treat others with dignity regardless of nicknames.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- family gatherings
- workplace
- social media
- caregiver interactions
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do nicknames affect perceived respect?
- What boundaries should be set in casual settings?
Humor can mask underlying disrespect.