Handle vs. Nickname — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 7, 2024
A handle is an online identifier often used in social media or gaming, while a nickname is an informal name given to someone, typically based on personality traits or characteristics.
Difference Between Handle and Nickname
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A handle is a user-created alias, often seen in social media or gaming contexts. It usually reflects a person's interests or personality in a way that makes them easily recognizable online, while ensuring their real identity remains private.
A nickname, on the other hand, is typically a name given to someone by friends, family, or peers. It often reflects someone's character or an inside joke. Unlike a handle, nicknames are usually derived from a person's real name or experiences.
Handles are chosen deliberately by the individual, giving them control over how they are presented online. They are useful for creating a consistent brand across platforms, whereas nicknames are often given by others and may not always be to the liking of the person.
In formal settings, people generally use their real names or professional titles, but handles are useful for online pseudonyms, while nicknames are commonly used informally among friends.
Comparison Chart
Usage Context
Online aliases (social media, gaming, etc.)
Informal name used among friends/family
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Chosen by
Individual
Usually by friends, family, or peers
Purpose
Online identity, often for privacy/branding
Reflects personality traits or inside jokes
Flexibility
User can change at will
Harder to change, usually stuck by others
Formality
Common in informal digital spaces
Informal, used casually
Compare with Definitions
Handle
A way to identify oneself on social media.
I just followed your Twitter handle.
Nickname
An informal name given to someone, often affectionately.
Her friends call her by the nickname ‘Sunny’.
Handle
A pseudonym used for privacy or branding.
She prefers her handle ‘TechGuru’ in forums.
Nickname
A name that reflects a personal trait or history.
He got the nickname ‘Ace’ for his skills.
Handle
An alias used in online platforms.
His gaming handle is ‘DragonSlayer99’.
Nickname
An informal name often rooted in personal experience.
His childhood nickname, ‘Munchkin,’ still lingers.
Handle
An online moniker for user consistency across platforms.
His handle remains the same across all apps.
Nickname
An alternative name used mainly among close people.
The team’s nickname for him is ‘Speedy’.
Handle
A recognizable username adopted online.
Her handle is known throughout the blogosphere.
Nickname
A playful, sometimes humorous moniker.
Her nickname ‘Smarty’ stuck since high school.
Handle
A handle is a part of, or attachment to, an object that allows it to be grasped and manipulated by hand. The design of each type of handle involves substantial ergonomic issues, even where these are dealt with intuitively or by following tradition.
Nickname
A nickname is a substitute for the proper name of a familiar person, place or thing. Commonly used to express affection, a form of endearment and sometimes amusement, it can also be used to express defamation of character, particularly by school bullies.
Handle
To touch, lift, or hold with the hands
You should wash your hands before you handle food.
Nickname
A descriptive name added to or replacing the actual name of a person, place, or thing.
Handle
To operate with the hands; manipulate
Can handle a jigsaw.
Nickname
A familiar or shortened form of a proper name.
Handle
To deal with or have responsibility for; conduct
Handles matters of corporate law.
Nickname
To give a nickname to.
Handle
To cope with or dispose of
Handles problems efficiently.
Nickname
(Archaic) To call by an incorrect name; misname.
Handle
To direct, execute, or dispose of
Handle an investment.
Nickname
A familiar, invented name for a person or thing used instead of the actual name of the person or thing, often based on some noteworthy characteristic.
"The Big Apple" is a common nickname for New York City.
Handle
To manage, administer to, or represent
Handle a boxer.
Nickname
A familiar, shortened or diminutive name for a person or thing.
My name is Jonathan, but I go by my nickname, Johnny.
Handle
To deal or trade in the purchase or sale of
A branch office that handles grain exports.
Nickname
(transitive) To give a nickname to (a person or thing).
Gerald, nicknamed "Jerry", was usually a very cheerful person.
Handle
To act or function in a given way while in operation
A car that handles well in the snow.
Nickname
A name given in affectionate familiarity, sportive familiarity, contempt, or derision; a familiar or an opprobrious appellation; as, Nicholas's nickname is Nick.
Handle
A part that is designed to be held or operated with the hand
The handle of a suitcase.
The handle of a faucet.
Nickname
To give a nickname to; to call by a nickname.
You nickname virtue; vice you should have spoke.
I altogether disclaim what has been nicknamed the doctrine of finality.
Handle
A means of understanding or control
Has a handle on the situation.
Nickname
A familiar name for a person (often a shortened version of a person's given name);
Joe's mother would not use his nickname and always called him Joseph
Henry's nickname was Slim
Handle
(Slang) A person's name.
Nickname
A descriptive name for a place or thing;
The nickname for the U.S. Constitution is `Old Ironsides'
Handle
An alternate name or nickname, especially one chosen for self-identification on online forums or citizens band radio.
Nickname
Give a nickname to
Handle
(Games) The total amount of money bet on an event or over a set period of time.
Handle
The part of an object which is (designed to be) held in the hand when used or moved.
Handle
An instrument for effecting a purpose (either literally or figuratively); a tool, or an opportunity or pretext.
Handle
(gambling) The gross amount of wagering within a given period of time or for a given event at one of more establishments.
The daily handle of a Las Vegas casino is typically millions of dollars.
Handle
(textiles) The tactile qualities of a fabric, e.g., softness, firmness, elasticity, fineness, resilience, and other qualities perceived by touch.
Handle
(slang) A name, nickname or pseudonym.
Handle
(slang) A title attached to one's name, such as Doctor or Colonel.
The successful businessman was knighted and acquired a handle to his name.
Handle
(computing) A reference to an object or structure that can be stored in a variable.
This article describes how to find the module name from the window handle.
Handle
A 10 fluid ounce (285 mL) glass of beer.
Handle
(US) A half-gallon (1.75-liter) bottle of alcohol.
Handle
A point, an extremity of land.
The Handle of the Sug in Newfoundland
Handle
(topology) A topological space homeomorphic to a ball but viewed as a product of two lower-dimensional balls.
Handle
(algebraic geometry) The smooth, irreducible subcurve of a comb which connects to each of the other components in exactly one point.
Handle
(transitive) To touch; to feel or hold with the hand(s).
Handle
To accustom to the hand; to take care of with the hands.
Handle
(transitive) To manage, use, or wield with the hands.
Handle
(transitive) To manage, control, or direct.
Handle
(transitive) To treat, to deal with (in a specified way).
She handled the news with grace
The Persians handled the French ambassador shamefully
Handle
(transitive) To deal with (a subject, argument, topic, or theme) in speaking, in writing, or in art.
Handle
(transitive) To receive and transfer; to have pass through one's hands; hence, to buy and sell.
A merchant handles a variety of goods, or a large stock
Handle
To be concerned with; to be an expert in.
Handle
(transitive) To put up with; to endure (and continue to function).
I can't handle this hot weather.
Handle
(intransitive) To use the hands.
Handle
To illegally touch the ball with the hand or arm; to commit handball.
Handle
(intransitive) To behave in a particular way when handled (managed, controlled, directed).
The car handles well
Handle
To touch; to feel with the hand; to use or hold with the hand.
Handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh.
About his altar, handling holy things.
Handle
To manage in using, as a spade or a musket; to wield; often, to manage skillfully.
That fellow handles his bow like a crowkeeper.
Handle
To accustom to the hand; to work upon, or take care of, with the hands.
The hardness of the winters forces the breeders to house and handle their colts six months every year.
Handle
To receive and transfer; to have pass through one's hands; hence, to buy and sell; as, a merchant handles a variety of goods, or a large stock.
Handle
To deal with; to make a business of.
They that handle the law knew me not.
Handle
To treat; to use, well or ill.
How wert thou handled being prisoner?
Handle
To manage; to control; to practice skill upon.
You shall see how I will handle her.
Handle
To use or manage in writing or speaking; to treat, as a theme, an argument, or an objection.
We will handle what persons are apt to envy others.
Handle
To use the hands.
They have hands, but they handle not.
Handle
That part of vessels, instruments, etc., which is held in the hand when used or moved, as the haft of a sword, the knob of a door, the bail of a kettle, etc.
Handle
That of which use is made; the instrument for effecting a purpose; a tool.
Handle
The appendage to an object that is designed to be held in order to use or move it;
He grabbed the hammer by the handle
It was an old briefcase but it still had a good grip
Handle
Be in charge of, act on, or dispose of;
I can deal with this crew of workers
This blender can't handle nuts
She managed her parents' affairs after they got too old
Handle
Interact in a certain way;
Do right by her
Treat him with caution, please
Handle the press reporters gently
Handle
Deal with verbally or in some form of artistic expression;
This book deals with incest
The course covered all of Western Civilization
The new book treats the history of China
Handle
Touch, lift, or hold with the hands;
Don't handle the merchandise
Handle
Handle effectively;
The burglar wielded an axe
Handle
Show and train;
The prize-winning poodle was handled by Mrs. Priscilla Prescott
Common Curiosities
Is a handle the same as a nickname?
No, a handle is a chosen online alias, while a nickname is usually given by friends or family.
Are handles unique across platforms?
Not always; different platforms have varying rules, so availability isn't guaranteed.
Can nicknames be changed like handles?
Changing a nickname is harder since they’re usually given by others and may be more ingrained.
Is it important to have a handle online?
It depends; handles offer privacy and branding, but some prefer to use their real names.
Can a handle be a nickname?
Yes, sometimes handles incorporate personal nicknames, but they are more intentionally chosen.
Can a nickname be offensive?
Yes, nicknames can sometimes be offensive or hurtful, especially if imposed by others without consent.
Can nicknames change over time?
Yes, as people change and grow, new nicknames can emerge that better reflect current traits or relationships.
How are nicknames typically created?
Nicknames often emerge naturally based on personality traits, physical characteristics, or memorable events.
What makes a good handle?
A good handle is unique, memorable, and aligns with one's personal or professional brand.
Should I use the same handle across platforms?
It can be beneficial for brand consistency, but consider adjusting for platform guidelines or security.
Are handles usually tied to personal identity?
Handles can reflect aspects of personal identity or interests but are often chosen to keep a degree of anonymity online.
Should a handle include numbers or special characters?
It's useful if the desired handle is already taken, but it should remain readable and memorable.
Do people with long names commonly use nicknames?
Yes, nicknames often simplify or shorten longer names, making them easier for friends and family to use.
Are handles safe to use online?
Generally, handles enhance online safety by keeping real names private, but personal information should still be protected.
Do handles need to be long or complex?
Not necessarily. The ideal handle is concise yet unique, easy to remember, and hard to guess.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
