11 Struggles Of Having An “Ethnic” Name
Start writing a post
Entertainment

11 Struggles Of Having An “Ethnic” Name

You'll never find any souvenirs with your name on it

371
11 Struggles Of Having An “Ethnic” Name
thoughtcatalog.com

There are a lot of really easy, common names in the U.S. and while many of those simple names have different spellings, most of the time, pronunciation is not an issue that those people need to worry about. However, others are not as fortunate and often times give up on corrections after a while. We usually give an A+ for effort. So, as you could probably imagine, there are a few struggles with having a name that isn’t technically English. Here are just a few…

1. You know you are up next when the teacher pauses while taking attendance


Chances are you are the only one with your name in your class so you know when your name is up next when there’s a sudden pause followed by an uneasy look by the teacher or substitute.

2. When “I’m going to do my very best to make sure I know all your names” is said, it may or may be an empty promise

It may be possible for people with more common names but yours might take a bit longer and require a bit more effort.

3. “Wow! That sounds so cool! Where is your family from?”

Great… your name never fails to be a conversation starter… except it’s the same kind of conversation that ensues.

4. You dread when people ask you to repeat your name over and over because it “sounds so cool when you say it”

You’re flattered that people like your name so much but it gets a little annoying after repeatedly saying it 500 times.

5. There’s a 50/50 chance that your name will come back either correct or incorrect at Starbucks

Sometimes the baristas will ask you how to spell your name while taking your order (meaning your name will at least be spelled right), but sometimes that’s not done and your name is spelled and said completely different. Let’s just say, you have many Starbucks personas.

6. People try to find shorter, easier nicknames for you instead of calling you by your actual name

The nicknames are either actual shortened versions or just words that sound like your name (usually said in a teasing manner), you’re used to it though…

7. When someone famous or fictional character shares your name, you get so happy


Your first reaction is one of sudden happiness that your name is shared by someone whether real or fictional and you instantly connect.

8. “What’s your name?” “It’s [name]” “I’m sorry, what was it again?”


Typical situation… and most of the time, the other person asking you to repeat yourself can hear just fine so it's not that you're loud enough.

9. You’ve pretty much seen every misspelling and heard every mispronunciation of your name throughout your life

Trust us, we’ve heard it all. We’ve seen our name twisted in the most outrageous ways. We’ve given up trying to instill the correction anymore.

10. When you find another person with an “ethnic” sounding name, you both get excited

It’s almost like an instant connection to the person especially when you both can say each other’s names correctly in one try.

11. Despite the struggles, your name is pretty unique… just like you


Like I said, you are probably the only one with your name in the group or groups that you hang out with so rock it!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

11649
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

943115
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

120726
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lots of people sat on the cinema wearing 3D glasses
Pinterest

Ever wonder what your friend meant when they started babbling about you taking their stapler? Or how whenever you ask your friend for a favor they respond with "As You Wish?" Are you looking for new and creative ways to insult your friends?

Well, look no further. Here is a list of 70 of the most quotable movies of all time. Here you will find answers to your questions along with a multitude of other things such as; new insults for your friends, interesting characters, fantastic story lines, and of course quotes to log into your mind for future use.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments