A moniker (or "monicker") is a pseudonym, or cognomen, which one gives to oneself. The meaning is distinct from nickname, in that a nickname is generally given to one by another, and not chosen for oneself. A pseudonym (Greek: false name) is a fictitious name used by an individual as an alternative to his or her legal name. ... The cognomen (name known by in English) was originally the third name of a Roman in the Roman naming convention. ... A nickname is a short, clever, cute, derogatory, or otherwise substitute name for a person or things real name (for example, Tom is short for Thomas). ...

(as slang "moniker" can mean simply "name")

Typically, this title is used as a professional name, instead of the person's given name for works of art, music, books, or performances.

Monikers can also name groups of people, but typically the name is creative and not descriptive. This article needs to be cleaned up to conform to a higher standard of quality. ...

Monicker in Clowning

The word "monicker" or more rarely, "monikker" (among clowns, most often intentionally 'misspelled', with a 'c') in accordance with clown tradition that some words are inherently funny (and hence to be preferred over 'unfunny' words) has been widely embraced by the "clown world" as equivalent to a stage name or pseudonym. A monicker is considered by a professional clown to be sacrosanct by the traditional code of non-infringement. The monicker is considered to be an attribute of the character of the clown and not of the performer. Monicker, in clown usage, can generally be considered synonymous with the terms "clown name" and "Professional name". In declining use, it may mean a clown performer's personal nickname, (eg. "Joseph Grimaldi's monicker was Joey.) rather than the name of the performer's clown character. A clown participating in a Memorial Day parade A clown today is one of various types of comedic performers, on stage, television, in the circus and rodeo. ... An inherently funny word is a word which native speakers often find to be funny, for reasons ranging from onomatopoeia to sexual innuendo. ... A stage name, or a screen name for movie stars, is a pseudonym used by performers and actors. ... A pseudonym (Greek: false name) is a fictitious name used by an individual as an alternative to his or her legal name. ... The Code of non-infringement (or The Code) refers to an accepted business practice and custom among certain performers, particularly clowns, that ones unique performance attributes are the absolute property of the performer. ... Joseph Grimaldi (December 18, 1779 - May 31, 1837), the most celebrated of English clowns, was born in London, the son of an Italian actor. ...

See also

• Clown
• Clown face
• Code of non-infringement
• Nickname
• Stage name