Nat vs. Pat — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 14, 2024
Nat typically refers to a personal nickname, often a short form of Natalie or Nathan, while Pat can be a nickname for Patricia or Patrick.
Difference Between Nat and Pat
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Nat is commonly used as a casual or informal nickname derived from longer names like Natalie or Nathan. It emphasizes a friendly or intimate approach to addressing someone. Whereas, Pat is similarly a nickname, generally for Patrick or Patricia, and is used to foster a sense of familiarity or affection.
Nat, when used in contexts such as family or close social circles, suggests a diminutive, affectionate form of the original name. On the other hand, Pat serves the same purpose for its respective full names, helping to shorten a formal name for everyday use.
In certain cultural contexts, Nat can also appear in literary or historical references, such as Nathaniel Hawthorne, where it indicates a historical or classical usage. Whereas Pat might be seen in more contemporary settings, indicating a modern casualness in naming conventions.
In digital communication or social media, usernames or handles incorporating "Nat" are often personalized to reflect individual identity or creativity. Conversely, "Pat" might be used in a similar manner, but could also carry connotations of being common or widely utilized.
While Nat provides a softer, perhaps more youthful connotation due to its association with names like Natalie, Pat often carries a more neutral or even gender-neutral vibe, thanks to its association with both masculine and feminine names.
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Comparison Chart
Associated Names
Natalie, Nathan, Nathaniel
Patrick, Patricia
Usage Context
Casual, friendly
Casual, friendly
Cultural Connotation
Often youthful, modern
Gender-neutral, widely used
Commonness
Less common as a standalone nickname
More common as a standalone nickname
Tone
Intimate, personal
Familiar, neutral
Compare with Definitions
Nat
Casual reference.
Nat can you help me with this?
Pat
To tap gently with the open hand or with something flat.
Nat
Nickname for Natalie.
Nat's performance in the play was mesmerizing.
Pat
To stroke lightly as a gesture of affection.
Nat
Literary reference.
Nat Hawthorne’s writing style is timeless.
Pat
To mold by tapping gently with the hands or a flat implement.
Nat
Nickname for Nathan.
Nat King Cole was a famous American jazz musician.
Pat
To run or walk with a tapping sound.
Nat
Social media username.
Follow me @CoolNat123 for more updates.
Pat
To hit something or against something gently or lightly.
Nat
A person who advocates political independence for a particular country
Winning the seat in central Scotland would give the Nats a massive psychological boost
Pat
A light gentle stroke or tap.
Nat
A spirit in Burmese mythology, whose cult is followed alongside Buddhism.
Pat
The sound made by a light stroke or tap or by light footsteps.
Nat
A logarithmic unit of information or entropy, based on natural logarithms.
Pat
A small mass shaped by or as if by patting
A pat of butter.
Nat
(obsolete) Not.
Pat
Suitable; fitting
"Suggestions about her reasons for going are made indirectly, lightly and ambiguously.
No pat explanation is offered" (Janna Malamud Smith).
Nat
Not.
Pat
Fitting or satisfactory in a superficial or contrived way, especially in being trite or glib
"The dialogue is sometimes stilted and the ending too pat" (Leonard Malkin).
Nat
Not at; nor at.
Pat
(Games) Being a poker hand that is strong enough to make drawing cards unlikely to improve it.
Pat
Readily or perfectly as a result of memorization or familiarization
They've got the system down pat. He has the lesson pat.
Pat
The sound of a light slap or tap with a soft flat object, especially of a footstep
We heard a pat on the door.
Pat
A light tap or slap, especially with the hands
Give Mary a pat on the shoulder to get her attention.
Pat
A flattish lump of soft matter, especially butter or dung.
Pat
To (gently) tap the flat of one's hand on a person or thing.
To show affection, he decided he would pat the boy on the head.
Pat
To hit lightly and repeatedly with the flat of the hand to make smooth or flat
I patted the cookie dough into shape.
Pat
To stroke or fondle (an animal).
Do you want to pat the cat?
Pat
To gently rain.
Pat
Exactly suitable, fitting, apt; timely, convenient, opportune, ready for the occasion; especially of things spoken.
A pat expression
Pat
Trite, being superficially complete, lacking originality.
Pat
Opportunely, in a timely or suitable way.
Pat
Perfectly.
He has the routine down pat.
Pat
To strike gently with the fingers or hand; to stroke lightly; to tap; as, to pat a dog.
Gay pats my shoulder, and you vanish quite.
Pat
A light, quik blow or stroke with the fingers or hand; a tap.
Pat
A small mass, as of butter, shaped by pats.
It looked like a tessellated work of pats of butter.
Pat
Exactly suitable; fit; convenient; timely.
Pat
In a pat manner.
I foresaw then 't would come in pat hereafter.
Pat
The sound made by a gentle blow
Pat
A light touch or stroke
Pat
Pat or squeeze fondly or playfully, especially under the chin
Pat
Hit lightly;
Pat him on the shoulder
Pat
Having only superficial plausibility;
Glib promises
A slick commercial
Pat
Exactly suited to the occasion;
A pat reply
Pat
Completely or perfectly;
He has the lesson pat
Had the system down pat
Pat
Nickname for Patrick.
Pat Sajak hosts the game show.
Pat
Nickname for Patricia.
Pat’s garden is the best in the neighborhood.
Pat
General casual use.
Hey Pat, are you free this weekend?
Pat
Social media handle.
@PatTheBaker often shares delicious recipes.
Pat
Friendly address.
Pat always knows how to lighten the mood.
Common Curiosities
What names is Pat commonly associated with?
Pat is a nickname for Patrick or Patricia.
What are common longer names for Nat?
Nat is commonly a nickname for Natalie or Nathan.
What historical figures are known by these nicknames?
Historical figures such as Nathaniel Hawthorne (Nat) and Patrick Henry (Pat) are known by these nicknames.
Which nickname is more versatile, Nat or Pat?
Pat might be considered more versatile, used across various English-speaking cultures for both genders.
Is Pat considered gender-neutral?
Yes, Pat is used for both males and females, reflecting its roots in both Patrick and Patricia.
How do Nat and Pat function in social settings?
Both are used to convey familiarity and are often used among friends or family.
How do Nat and Pat impact the perception of a person's name?
They tend to make a name sound more approachable and less formal.
Is Nat gender-specific?
Nat can be used for both genders, typically associated with Nathan for males and Natalie for females.
Are there any famous people named Nat or Pat?
Yes, Nat King Cole (musician) and Pat Sajak (TV host) are famous individuals with these nicknames.
Can Nat and Pat be used in formal settings?
While they are primarily informal, they can appear in formal settings within quotes or in less formal communications.
How do people choose between using Nat or Pat?
The choice usually depends on the full name of the individual and personal preference.
What cultural differences exist in the use of Nat and Pat?
There are no significant cultural differences; usage generally depends on the popularity of the full names in the region.
Can Nat and Pat be used for pets?
Yes, both are popular pet names, emphasizing affection and familiarity.
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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
Maham Liaqat
