Saudis and Informal Ways to Refer to Cities: Nicknames, Diminutives, and Short Forms

Introduction

While many cultures around the world have developed informal ways to refer to cities and locations, the use of nicknames, diminutives, and short forms varies significantly. This piece delves into the Arabic-speaking world, specifically focusing on Saudi Arabia, to explore if Saudis have informal ways to refer to places within the country. We will also discuss the use of diminutives in Arabic and provide examples from other Arabic-speaking regions such as Egypt.

Nicknames and Diminutives: A Common Practice?

When it comes to nicknames and diminutives for cities, the situation in Saudi Arabia is somewhat unique. Unlike in some Western cultures, where cities often have informal nicknames (like Philly for Philadelphia or Dubz for Dubai), Saudi Arabian cities do not commonly have such nicknames. Saudis generally use the formal names of the cities, and there is a preference for using the full name rather than any short or informal versions.

Arabic, like many languages, does allow for the creation of diminutives. These diminutives are used to express affection, smallness, or a sense of endearment rather than to shorten or abbreviate the name. For example, al-Uqsur (Luxor) and Al-Iskandria (Alexandria) are more formal names, while al-Madina al-Munawara is the full name for the city that many English speakers know as Mecca.

Short Forms: The Mecca and Medina Scenario

One notable exception where a short form is used is for the city of Medina. Saudis often refer to it simply as Mecca for convenience, rather than using the full name al-Madina al-Munawara. This is a common practice among many Saudi Arabs to refer to Medina as Mecca, especially in spoken language, as the honorific title is often omitted.

Regional Variations: Egypt and Other Arabic-speaking Countries

Other Arabic-speaking regions, such as Egypt, have their own unique ways of referring to cities. In Egypt, Alexandria is commonly referred to as Alex and Luxor as Lux. These are informal nicknames that have become widely accepted and used in daily conversation and informal settings. However, it is important to note that these nicknames do not use the diminutive form, but are short, convenient versions of the city's names.

In Saudi Arabia, the culture of using nicknames or diminutives for cities is not prevalent. Cities typically have well-established formal names, and people use these names in both formal and informal contexts. For example, Jeddah is often referred to as al-Buhuth (??????) and Dubai is simply Al-Shariq (?????), but these are not commonly used in the same way as the nicknames in Egypt or other countries.

Conclusion

In summary, while Arabic-speaking countries often use nicknames or diminutives, the use of such informal names in Saudi Arabia is not as common. Saudis generally use the full formal names for cities, though there are occasional exceptions like Medina being referred to as Mecca for convenience. This practice reflects a preference for precision in language and a culture that values the use of formal titles in most contexts.

Key Points:

Saudi Arabia does not commonly use nicknames or diminutives for cities. Arabic allows for the creation of diminutives, but they are used for affection or endearment, not for shortening names. For instance, in Saudi Arabia, Mecca is often used instead of al-Madina al-Munawara for convenience. In other Arabic-speaking regions like Egypt, nicknames like Alex and Lux are commonly used for Alexandria and Luxor respectively.