Simkin

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A familiar, affectionate pet form of the male given name Simon, used especially for a young boy
2. A short, informal nickname derived from the name Simon, often used in a fond or childlike way
3. An endearing diminutive of the masculine first name Simon, typically given to a small child

Etymology: Anglo-Indian usage gives "simkin" a sense that has nothing to do with boys named Simon. It is a native Indian pronunciation of "champagne", the sparkling wine, and it is the origin of that sense. The nickname sense is a different formation. It is built from the name Simon with the diminutive suffix "-kin", which English took from Middle Dutch and which also appears in surnames such as Hankin and Perkin. Adding "-kin" to a name produces a small, affectionate form, which is why the nickname reads as fond or childlike. Two unrelated histories have landed on one spelling, so the nickname and the wine word are best kept apart.