:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66786624/1170578660.jpg.0.jpg)
Like millions of other TV viewers the past month I have been fascinated and enthralled by The Last Dance. Seriously...how many kids growing up in Illinois didn’t idolize the ‘90s Bulls and M.J.? Sure, his name is MICHAEL JORDAN. That’s unmistakable. But you probably referred to him as “His Airness,” “M.J.,” or simply “Michael.”
Magic, Shaq, Tiger, A.I., A-Rod, RG3, CP3, Sweetness, Babe, The Big Unit, The Greek Freak. These are just a few more of the most memorable and iconic nicknames in all of sports.
How do you remember some of your favorite Fighting Illini?
It's time for another Illini #WordOfTheWeek:
— The Champaign Room (@Champaign_Room) May 9, 2020
Sobriquet (noun)
Def: A familiar or shortened version of a person's name.
Ex: The sobriquet "Bhebhe" is easier to pronounce than "Imatorbhebhe."
What's your favorite Fighting Illini sobriquet? Ayo? Juice? Post it in the comments!
Here’s what you had to say:
“Daniel Brown” just doesn’t have the same sizzle, does it?
How about Dee? His real name is Daniel
— Dan McManus (@danmcmanus57) May 9, 2020
Regus? Rejus? Regis?
Didn’t people start calling Arrelious Benn “Regus” and even he didn’t know why?
— Jeremy Rushing (@JeremyGRushing) May 9, 2020
If only Illinois had an Isaiah Williams at quarterback right now...
Juice and it’s not even close!
— Sox Fan (@sox_fann) May 9, 2020
Mr. Hoomanawanui for the win...
Oh oh...for a name I can neither spell nor say. I think zook said he couldn’t say his name either.
— Bart Hedgcock (@BartHedgcock) May 9, 2020
My wife prefers "Uh-Oh" pic.twitter.com/HfhpcXvU5m
— Slater (@TheSlaterShow) May 10, 2020
Got any more favorite Illini nicknames? Comment below.