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.

(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. Radio stations usually have monikers, such as "Dave FM", which are somewhat of a gimmick.

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.

See also

• clown
• clown face
• code of non-infringement
• nickname
• stage name