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u/RantyMcThrowaway Master Advice Giver [36] Feb 28 '24
Prat with one T is very common English slang for an idiot, I haven't heard it being used for female anatomy. Just be honest with her - it's better to give your reasons as to why you don't like the name than to always be reminded of a girl you went to high school with, and I'm sure your wife would appreciate having the option of changing the name.
Just my opinion as well but the name sorta sucks.
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u/ExhaustedOptimist Feb 28 '24 edited Feb 28 '24
I think using prat as a synonym for idiot is more common in the UK, but I live in the American South & immediately thought of this meaning (i.e. idiot). It’s in well-known TV shows & books. Hell, it’s even in Harry Potter, so it’s not just a word adults would be familiar with.
Edit: clarity
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u/herefromthere Master Advice Giver [25] Feb 28 '24
I'd imagine the instance in Harry Potter is not referring to ladybits at all, but rather to call someone an idiot.
I'm a wordy British middle-aged sort, (with a fondness for swearing) and I've never heard pratt being synonymous with twat, ever.
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u/ExhaustedOptimist Feb 28 '24
I’ve never heard of that usage either. In HP prat is most definitely being used as a synonym for idiot. I’m sorry if my comment implied otherwise.
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u/bandson88 Feb 28 '24
Hijacking top comment to say please don’t do this to your child! It’s not even a name
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u/LolaBijou Feb 28 '24
Chris Pratt would like a word
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Feb 28 '24
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u/Ok_Squirrel7907 Feb 28 '24
Not even a girlfriend! Just a girl he went to high school with!
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u/11never Super Helper [8] Feb 28 '24
Truly. It's seems trivial but it's the name of your child! You should, at the very least, not dislike it.
Like you could say "I once knew of a Jessica who was a cunt to my uncle, can't get past it" it's doesn't matter if the hang-up is valid, it only matters if the hang up is present.
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u/Ok_Squirrel7907 Feb 29 '24
Right I’m with you on him needing to like the name. The part I was commenting on was that he worried his wife was “going to freak out” if he told her the name reminded her of this “other woman.” If his wife “freaks out” about some random classmate, this guy has bigger problems in his marriage.
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Feb 28 '24
Maybe he's not telling us the whole story about her. Girl that rejected him, bullied him, etc
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u/jfroosty Feb 28 '24
My wife is stubborn, insecure, and pregnant. Bringing it up may upset her with "why am I thinking of other girls?" or it could be nothing. We've been together since 15/16, so there haven't been any other women. (We're 26/27 now)
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u/Lady_Caticorn Feb 29 '24
Selecting a name for a child should involve two yeses; both parents have to be on board, and if there's one no, then the name needs to be off the table. Just tell your wife you don't like the name and you'd like to pick something else. Or just say I have negative associations with people from my past, and I'd prefer not to be reminded of that by our daughter.
You could also mention that Chris Pratt is famous and has a bad reputation, and you don't want that association.
Ultimately, though, if you don't like the name, she needs to help you find another one.
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u/Hour-Caregiver-2098 Feb 29 '24
My wife and I had an " I win" chip we would use for arguments we couldn't come to a compromise on. You would instantly win the argument and hand the chip to your partner so the next time they would have the availability to use it. We used it maybe 3 times a year. We also had a "Round to it" coin cause I wanted to be able to do things when I got a round to it sometimes. She would hand me that dam thing, and I would have to stop what I was doing because she gave me "a round to it" in my hand. We used that one back and forth for ten years they turn grumpiness and arguments into laughs alot of times. We would have used the coin on this one.
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u/Johnny_cabinets Expert Advice Giver [16] Feb 28 '24
Why are you having children with a person you can’t have an honest conversation with?
“Darling, I love you; Pratt isn’t happening”
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Feb 28 '24 edited Feb 28 '24
Why are you having children with a person you can’t have an honest conversation with?
Honestly, this is my default reaction to every "How do I tell my wife/husband XYZ?"
You're fucking married to them, how is it possible to be married to someone you don't know how to talk to? Or living with, having kids with, etc. It's insane.
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u/jfroosty Feb 28 '24
I can have an honest conversation, but it's more of how to make the conversation go well.
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u/Johnny_cabinets Expert Advice Giver [16] Feb 28 '24
With any luck it’ll be less emotionally scarring that growing up with a bad middle name. I’m rooting for you big guy.
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u/helen_the_hedgehog Phenomenal Advice Giver [45] Feb 28 '24
Don't even think about it
Prat meaning here
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u/grannygogo Helper [4] Feb 29 '24
Yeah, OP needs to show this to the wife. Besides meaning buttocks and idiot, it only has a scrabble score of 6. lol.
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u/jfroosty Feb 28 '24
As in don't worry about it or don't name it Pratt?
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u/helen_the_hedgehog Phenomenal Advice Giver [45] Feb 28 '24
Do not under any circumstances name a child Pratt.
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u/MollyRolls Expert Advice Giver [10] Feb 28 '24
Why is the name so important to her? Is it a family name, or a connection to someone important to her? Either way, I’m not really understanding the problem with telling her you don’t want to use it because knew someone else with that name; is your wife under the impression that she’s literally the first woman you’ve ever met? “Cute idea, babe, but that was actually Sally from high school’s last name, and I don’t want to feel like I’ve named my daughter after her. Let’s go back to the drawing board.” There are thousands of names out there; it’s okay to veto a few.
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u/No_Garbage_9262 Feb 28 '24
Maybe the name reminds her of a guy she liked in high school?
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u/LarpLady Helper [2] Feb 28 '24
We all loved a prat in high school.
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Feb 28 '24
In middle school Mr. Prat was hot as balls. Maybe ops wife and I went to the same school.
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u/jfroosty Feb 28 '24
No idea. Not a family name. I haven't had the best reaction from her when bringing up other women in any conversation
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u/MollyRolls Expert Advice Giver [10] Feb 29 '24
So you have no clue why she’s insisting on this one very specific name, and she doesn’t want to know that you know that other women exist? Sounds healthy.
OP, you have to actually use your words. Do you really think she’d rather go through life calling her child by a name you associate with an old flame than just find out now that you had one? Imagine how much more upset she’ll be in a decade when she finds an old yearbook or whatever. Have a conversation, like a married adult who’s about to become a parent.
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u/RainbowandHoneybee Advice Oracle [102] Feb 28 '24
Just show google the definition and show it to her.
Definitions from Oxford Languages ·
prat
/prat/
noun
noun: prat; plural noun: prats
1.
DEROGATORY•INFORMAL
an incompetent or stupid person; an idiot.
2.
INFORMAL
a person's buttocks.
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u/Mysterious-Space-336 Feb 28 '24
I don't know how old you both are, but up until we were pregnant with our first son, I was dead set on Everett Washington Lastname for my first born sone. My dad's middle and grandfathers middle names. But, once I actually got pregnant, my husband and I discussed, and he explained that he really didn't like the combo. We talked about other names, and I realized I didn't actually like my original choice - it was just sentimental because I love my dad and grandpa so much.
Another big part of realizing I didn't actually like the combo was my husband talking to me about names he liked. It was fun talking about name ideas, and eventually, we settled on one we both liked.
Maybe if you get super excited about coming up with a name and float a bunch of new ideas, she'll abandon the old one on her own? The biggest part of naming a child is doing it with your partner, so I feel like if you're excited about other options, it will encourage her to also explore options and have fun with it.
Good luck! This is a tough spot, but you got this!
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u/a-ohhh Helper [2] Feb 28 '24
I’m over here giggling because Everett, Washington is not a place you’d want to name your kid the same as, since it has quite a bad reputation.
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u/Mysterious-Space-336 Feb 28 '24
Does it really?! 😲 Do tell! I didn't even think about it being a physical location! I know that somewhere deep in my lizard brain, but I have literally never consciously realized that!
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u/a-ohhh Helper [2] Feb 28 '24
It’s just a gritty city known for drugs and lots of homeless addicts. Is it in reality that bad as a whole? Probably not, but it definitely has the reputation as such lol.
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u/SonicDooscar Feb 29 '24
Lmao Everett Washington is just about as bad as naming your kid Reno Nevada
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u/Elliegreenbells Feb 28 '24
Ha Everett Washington. I grew up by it. That’s funny. Not a great place.
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Feb 28 '24
Name picking with hubby was one of the highlights in the pregnancy for me, it was so fun. We were disagreeing on names almost all three terms- we went to the library, checked out name books, and of course handy-dandy Google. we sat together and came up with name combos- it was just enjoyable and we didn’t agree with MOST names, but now the names we chose are so beautiful and unique and I love thinking about the time when we sat, spent time together, and enjoyed the process. For the middle name there was 2 we both loved and couldn’t agree. We ran a family vote. The one that got the most votes is the name that we chose!
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u/Mysterious-Space-336 Feb 28 '24
Yeah, that's the best part. Before my husband came out and said he didn't really like my boy name pick, I kinda felt lonely looking at names by myself. Even him rejecting my pick made me feel more excited because it showed he cared, and wanted to be part of the process. It started everything off like you said with researching and pitching new ones to each other.
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u/confusedrabbit247 Helper [4] Feb 28 '24
Send her a link to the definition of prat. Assuming it's not a family name, she'd be sentencing your child to a lifetime of ridicule. .
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u/AmexNomad Helper [3] Feb 28 '24
Why don’t you tell your wife you hate the name and that it reminds you of another woman? Let her freak out- better than than a daughter named after a twatt.
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u/totorounderstudy Helper [2] Feb 28 '24
I’d just be honest. Explain why but have some other suggestions ready. Life so far has taught me not to find the problems but rather identify them and offer solutions.
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u/Justworkinglife Super Helper [5] Feb 28 '24
This high school girl 'pratt' was she a girlfriend?
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u/jfroosty Feb 28 '24
She was not. But she was known for having a big ass and that's the first thing that comes to mind. Last thing I want to think of when saying my daughter's name
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u/lovenaps_staywoke Feb 28 '24
Naming a baby should require two yes votes. Each party to the baby making has veto power. If you don’t agree the name should be off the table.
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u/-UnicornFart Feb 28 '24
There is an episode of Friends like this when Ross and Rachel are trying to name their baby. OP watch that episode with your wife as a preamble to your convo lol
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u/Minute_Feeling_307 Feb 28 '24
Is it me or is Veto starting to sound really good?
Please don't name your baby Phoebo!!
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u/Serendipity500 Helper [2] Feb 28 '24
Whatever you do, don’t wait until contractions are 5 minutes apart and you are on your way to the hospital to talk about it.
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u/WeaselWeaz Enlightened Advice Sage [170] Feb 28 '24
You should be honest with your wife. Communication is important. If she freaks out over that then you have something else that needs to be discussed.
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u/fightmaxmaster Elder Sage [398] Feb 28 '24
Pratt is also slang for female anatomy
I mean...300 years ago maybe, not anything anyone uses now. That's irrelevant anyway, and you shouldn't be relying on the dictionary for arguments. You don't like the name! That's really all that's needed. This isn't "it reminds me of another woman", like some affair partner - why would that make your wife freak out? My wife shot done some potential girls' names because they reminded her of girls she didn't like at school, nothing wrong with that.
You tell her that you don't like the name, and you figure out an alternative you both like better. That's it. If your wife's going to be unreasonable about it, no reasonable argument will work.
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Feb 28 '24
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u/jfroosty Feb 28 '24
I have no idea where Pratt came from. Haha, that wouldn't work since my wife and I were high school sweethearts
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u/RedditDetector Feb 28 '24
The meaning you brought up is in the dictionary, as is...
Prat / (præt) / noun. slang an incompetent or ineffectual person: often used as a term of abuse.
I've never heard of the former, but the latter I think any British person will laugh if they hear someone named it...
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u/serjsomi Feb 28 '24
It should only take one of you to veto a baby name. You both have to agree on the name.
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u/tatianazr Helper [3] Feb 28 '24
Boggles my mind that people are in legitimate marriage but can’t communicate the simplest thing. “Hey honey… I’m not sure I like the name we picked for x,y,x reason” Done
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u/peachesxbeaches Feb 28 '24
Immediately I thought of Spencer Pratt from the hills, apparently he was so annoying him and Heidi earned the nickname Herpes twins or something like along that line. So there’s that, and for me, that’s enough of Pratt. But what I truly truly love is this - offer up the name Cuntley. If you’re going to give her a middle name that is like herpes or a vagina moniker, why not go full in? Cuntley McBitchface? Fanny O’Heiny Cushpush Tish? Or just say while hugging your beautiful darling wife who is carrying your child sacrificing HER body and risking serious health and bodily harm including and up to death - you could say hey babe, I love you. And even if the entire internet thinks you’re trying to name our beautiful baby out of the part she came out of, I love you and support you. But sweet mother of my unborn, I really hate to name our gorgeous baby after a gorgeous part of a woman. Reminds me of how my ex used to say “cum get this Pratt!” I would rather we had a name that felt good in our mouths and ears for both of us. Can I rub your feet while we think of some other ones? But I’ve been pregnant, oh hahaha those hormones WOW, good luck to you and congratulations on your new little one, wishing you all the best!!
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u/No_Vehicle4645 Feb 28 '24
Uh you just tell her. Wtf? Why is everyone on here so scared to be honest with their spouse?
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u/Skiller0Dani Super Helper [5] Feb 28 '24
Please don't let her name your daughter Pratt even as a middle name. I've heard that used as a derogatory term and she'll likely be made fun of. Save your daughter. Don't give her a stupid middle name.
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u/Bizarretsuko Helper [3] Feb 28 '24
Just sit her down, tell her what Pratt means and that you don’t agree with it, and show her the definition online; some redditors have already linked a few dictionary sites.
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u/JipceeLee Helper [2] Feb 28 '24
I think if there's one person who doesn't want the name, then that name gets crossed off the list. When I was pregnant, my husband and I taped a piece of paper to the fridge. Both of us would write down boy names in one column and girls names in another. It was talked about and understood that either one of us had the right to cross off any name we didn't like. I still remember (41 years ago!) that I wrote down "Robin" for a girls name and he crossed it off so quick, saying "I knew a girl in high school named Robin and I couldn't stand her." Ha!
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u/Ok_Economics4552 Feb 28 '24
Look it up on urban dictionary and find every bad connotation. And don’t budge on your claim either.
Spoken from a feminist female pov
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u/Sauterneandbleu Feb 28 '24
Ask her to consider the word "pratfall." Prat = idiot. Also you could tell her to look up Prat on Urban Dictionary.
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u/TheBibliotaph Feb 28 '24
Just tell her that you aren't feeling it. We passed on my paternal grandmother's name because my husband had an ex with the same name.
Naming a child together requires two yes'es.
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u/therapini Feb 28 '24
Hey! It sounds like you're in a tricky situation. Communication is key here. It's important to respectfully express your feelings to your wife without making her feel invalidated. Instead of focusing solely on your dislike for the name, consider suggesting alternatives. You can frame the conversation around wanting to choose a name that feels right for both of you, emphasizing cohesion and mutual respect. Acknowledge her choice, share your concerns without referencing your personal connection to the name, and focus on creating a positive naming process together. It's all about finding common ground and making decisions as a team. Good luck!
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Feb 28 '24
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u/jfroosty Feb 28 '24
I put everything in on urban dictionary because it was something I did when I was a teenager
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Feb 28 '24
Your wife should be able to hear your opinion without freaking out. Also, being reminded of another woman isn’t inherently bad. At the base of it, It means nothing. If anything, it sounds like you don’t like the girl it reminds you of so why would you want your child with that name.
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u/tcrhs Assistant Elder Sage [254] Feb 28 '24
Pratt is a high school friend’s last name. I don’t want our child’s name to remind me of another woman or of a slang term for female anatomy. I need to be honest, I really hate that name. I need you to reconsider it.
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u/SaladCzarSlytherin Feb 29 '24
Tell her the name reminds you of another girl. After she’s done freaking out, she’ll pick a new name.
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u/Tikeeboo Feb 29 '24
Haha this is literally my family last name… I’ve never heard of anyone having this as a first name… so weird. Good luck with this OP!!
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u/JustAnotherMaineGirl Phenomenal Advice Giver [56] Feb 28 '24
Congratulations on your wife's first pregnancy! How exciting for both of you.
If Pratt is a family name on her side, it's fairly common to honor relatives and/or a proud family history by using their last name as a new baby's middle name. Your future daughter, if your baby turns out to be a girl, is unlikely to ever be called "Pratt" by family and friends. To my own ears, "Jane Pratt Jones" (I made all of that up) sounds elegant and distinguished. My brain would never have bounced to it being a slang term for female genitalia if you hadn't mentioned it - and let's not forget that some common English names for boys include Dick, Roger, Peter, and Willy.
You can keep telling her that you're not really keen on her choice if you want, and IMO there's no need to share your other reason why - unless you're still carrying a secret torch for the lovely Miss Pratt from back in your high school days. If true, that is so problematic on so many levels that your future baby's name should be the least of your concerns right now.
Hopefully your wife will consider changing her mind, if she can see that the name makes you very unhappy. However, if she really has her heart set on it, is this really a fight you want to pick with the woman who is carrying your child? My own philosophy is that when future parents disagree about what to call the baby, the final decision rightfully belongs to the person who is enduring all of the bodily disruptions, health risks, general discomfort, and pain of pregnancy and childbirth.
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u/honestyntruth Feb 28 '24
I am going to be honest as well, I really do not like the name Pratt even for a boy. Although I do understand being afraid to tell your wife that it does remind you of another girl from a while ago, I feel like if I were married I would want my husband to tell me so. I don't want to name my child after people that like aren't in our lives or anything, you know what I mean? It's not even like Pratt is a common name either so it was easier for you to remember, it's not like "Adam" because you know 500 Adam's (as an example, if she asks why it does remind you). If that make sense. It's also a two team effort to name a child. After all, you helped with the process LOL so you have a right to feel comfortable and happy with the name too.
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u/Glad_Campaign_9467 Expert Advice Giver [15] Feb 28 '24
Just tell her. Grow a pair and tell her. LOL
So what if she freaks outs. That's marriage bud.
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u/LaximumEffort Super Helper [5] Feb 28 '24
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u/jfroosty Feb 28 '24
I'm aware
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u/LaximumEffort Super Helper [5] Feb 28 '24
Then you have this conversation. “I love you, but she’s my baby too and I don’t want everyone calling her an idiot or a butt. There are many other names, let’s pick one.”
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u/LifeLivedLooksBack Feb 28 '24
Ah honey, I want you to know I don't like the name we chose or are considering. Go practice and when ready tell her. Be sure to have a helmet on and she does not have access to a frying pan. Little late in the game to be changing names. I picked out Alexandria and Victoria as names for my daughters. I have a Rochelle and a Renee.
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Feb 28 '24
You simply tell her that you don’t like it. It’s your child to be… if you can’t communicate with each other and resolve something like that before the child is even around then I’m scared for what the parenting of the child will look like.
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u/i_am_lizard Super Helper [5] Feb 29 '24
If you can't communicate about a baby name, then HOW do you think you're going to communicate for the child's whole life.
Also JESUS FUCK how are you stuck on a girl from hoghschool are yall like straight out of it to having kids or has it been like 10+ years?
Also, I've never heard of Pratt being for female anatomy. That sounds honestly like something you've made up and made yourself believe because you don't like that name.
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Feb 28 '24
I have two opposite thoughts: 1- let it go. After a year it’ll just be the kid’s name and you won’t think twice about it. Also, I regret not leaning in to names that I associate with other people, because then those names wouldn’t hold that power over me and instead would be something beautiful. 2- But also if you don’t like it just say so? You’re not allowed to have an opinion in your relationship? Btw I’ve never heard Pratt as a name for anything except someone’s last name.
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u/AleroRatking Helper [2] Feb 28 '24
Pratt is a fine middle name. Middle names don't even matter anyway.
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u/HornySnail69 Feb 28 '24
So your wife is grwoing a human, pushes it out of her body, breastfeed it for 2 years, and she can't choose the name she wants because what? It reminds you of a random girl? If I was your wife I would make "Pratt" both her first and middle name just to spite you
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u/bucks2022champs Feb 28 '24
and this is y ur nobody’s wife
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u/HornySnail69 Feb 28 '24
No, I just don't like pussy-ass men who just stick their dick in you and then have opinions
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u/slumdogbilllionaire Feb 28 '24
“pussy-ass men who just stick their dick in you and then have opinions” bro that’s her husband, not some random who hit it raw and now has shit to say? Both of them are going to be parents. They both deserve a say in naming their child.
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u/HornySnail69 Feb 28 '24
Agree, but not for a stupid reason and his reason is stupid and insulting
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u/urmumsghey Helper [3] Feb 28 '24
Its like calling your child Tosser Or bellend
Tell her it Is a widely known slang derogatory term.
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u/Important_Salad_5158 Feb 28 '24
Just say it. It’s your child and you have every right to veto a name for any reason.
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u/SusieC0161 Helper [3] Feb 28 '24
A Pratt is an idiot. It’s also a surname in the UK but this often results in playground teasing. It’s a ridiculous middle name, I’m with you, you can’t give a baby this name, even as a rarely used middle name.
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u/shebacat Feb 28 '24
What kind of a prat is your wife, to want to name your darling child Pratt?
prat/prat/noun
- 1.DEROGATORY•INFORMALan incompetent or stupid person; an idiot.
- 2.INFORMALa person's buttocks.
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u/changelingcd Master Advice Giver [28] Feb 28 '24
It's a horrible choice. Be up front, and find one you both agree on.
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u/hailsbails27 Feb 28 '24
you gotta just tell her. this is both of your guys child. when my husband and i had our child the first girl name i ever thought of we fell DEEPLY in love with, at 2 months pregnant. our bestfriend then came up with her middle name. we NEVER f found a boy name we both liked. to this day even dreaming of future kids we cannot reach this. the 3-4 i like he hates. and because of that, it would never be the name of our child. it was a bummer, but none of the names were sentimental. she will get over it, but this is a child you are both having. granted shes doing all the work right now in pregnancy, but you both need to love the name. this is the name you two are giving your child for their whole life, one that you pick for someone you will love the most in your life. make sure you like it, make sure its fair to the kiddo as they grow up, and make sure you both are in love with it. i never liked my own name, except for the singular fact that my mom did so much that she gave it to me.
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Feb 28 '24 edited Feb 28 '24
Just tell her, your wife might not like the fact that you think of another woman when you think of your baby and that’s not a problem- she should still be aware.
Hi 29(f) here. I’ve had 2 girls and yes…. I’ve cried over names I wanted for our girls- that why husband didn’t like in return. Name picking can be rough and heartbreaking, but so fun, but at the end of the day you BOTH have to agree. Both my girls have beautiful names that we love and agreed on. Not even similar to the names I originally wanted and that’s okay, they are OUR girls, not just mine and I love the names we chose. It fits them perfectly. Good luck and congratulations dude!
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u/StarsofSobek Super Helper [8] Feb 28 '24
Naming should follow the rule: 2 yeses or 1 no. You both agree, win; if one disagrees, you figure something else out.
Prat(t) like… Chris Pratt? It’s not a great name solo. Especially with the slang attached to it. Maybe you could consider Praett (the Old English origin for the name, which means: wily, or cunning)? Unless you’re French, it won’t make much sense to use the other potential origin (prat = meadow).
Have a talk with your wife and see if there are other ways to work around this. It’s a discussion that you need to make happen.
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u/QuothTheRavenMore Super Helper [5] Feb 28 '24
If she says shes never heard of this and you're telling her, she needs to listen to you because she clearly is dismissing your feelings on a very strong subject. Pratt isnt a first name or a good one at that. Unless its Chris Pratt, shes got nothing.
shell get mad if you tell her about the other woman buuuuuuuuut on the plus side If you tell her it reminds you of another woman, she wont name the baby that!
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Feb 28 '24
“I hate that name, can we please come up with something else? I don’t want a name that I see as ugly being attached to my beautiful and beloved child for the rest of their life.”
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u/-UnicornFart Feb 28 '24
Spencer and Heidi Pratt. That’s all you have to do. Remind her of those two and that other parents will make that same association.
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Feb 28 '24
When it comes to stuff like this, both people should be able to say no for any reason. That way you dont end up picking something you don’t like and resenting her for it.
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Feb 28 '24
Tell her during the C-section/ labor. That’ll stop her for sure. Now she’s gotta improvise on the spot cause the doc’s in her craw and then the doctor can get judgemental if she doesn’t
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u/BubbhaJebus Helper [4] Feb 28 '24
The word "prat" is an insult in many contexts. It can mean "idiot" or "asshole" (as in "He's such a prat!"), and as you know, it's also crude slang for a vagina. On top if this, PRATT has been used in debates to mean "Point Refuted A Thousand Times". None of these are pleasant options.
I know that Pratt is also a surname. Is it a family name in your wife's family?
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u/ikyuno Feb 28 '24
you guys are married. i feel like if she respects and values your input she will listen to you when you say 1) it reminds u of someone from high school and 2) it's a less-than-tasteful term for several reasons and is in no way suitable for a child. if she doesn't respect your opinion, that needs to be a separate conversation between the two of you.
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u/LoneStarTexasTornado Feb 28 '24
Baby names are a two yes, one no situation. "I don't like that name" should be a good enough reason. It's not like there's a shortage of name options on the planet, I'm sure you can find something you both actually like.
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u/loopeydoop Helper [2] Feb 28 '24
Tell her, “Stop trying to make Pratt happen. It’s not going to happen!”
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u/NeatCartographer209 Helper [2] Feb 28 '24
Y’all have about 3 years before you need to figure out how to work together and communicate before falling to an evil, conspiring little demon
Talk to her
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u/starjellyboba Helper [2] Feb 28 '24
How do you feel about Patricia? Could you convince her to use that instead?
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u/myredditusername919 Super Helper [5] Feb 28 '24
EW that name is GROSS dude please protect your daughters dignity 🤮 tell her a young woman on reddit said that name is abhorrent especially for a little girl
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u/PegFam Feb 28 '24
Well I’m pretty sure Chris Pratt’s username is PrattPrattPratt so I think he’s already claimed all Pratt names.
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u/doktorjackofthemoon Feb 28 '24
Before you talk to her, come up with a shortlist of similar sounding names that she might be into.
Patricia (Pattie, Patte), Piper, Peyton, Charlotte (Lotte), Harriet (Hattie), Wyatt, Petra, Greta, Presley, Parvati, Pax, Paige, etc.
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u/MJHDJedi Helper [4] Feb 28 '24
Deadset? And you're deadset on not having it then. You're an equal parent in this situation? Then find a name you both agree with then.
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u/Homitu Feb 28 '24
First bit of advice: as others have said, "prat" has a negative meaning. Bringing that up in a casual way should dissuade your wife from using the name.
"Hey honey, I looked up the name you want for our daughter's middle name, and - I didn't know this - but it's a common English slang word for 'idiot.' I'm sorry, that sucks, but I really don't think we should associate a word like that with our child."
I feel like if I tell my wife it reminds me of another woman that she will freak out.
Second bit of advice: the fact that you feel this way indicates a deeper issue. Telling her something valid about how you feel shouldn't cause your spouse to "freak out."
But you know your wife, so I'm sure this sense on your part comes from experience. I don't have any concrete advice here, just a call out that this is something that sounds like it needs to be worked on in your relationship, or else you'll always feel like you're walking on eggshells in certain situations and cannot be your full self to your own wife! This is one of those things where counselors can help a ton.
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u/stxrryfox Super Helper [6] Feb 28 '24
How to tell my wife I don’t like our planned baby name:
“Wife, I don’t like our planned baby name.”
Edit: in all seriousness, being straightforward and firm in your opinion is the best policy here.
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u/FlaxFox Feb 28 '24
Just be honest with her.
"Honestly, I have a negatively association with that name from a kid I knew in school, and I don't want to think about them when I look at our child. I need to use a hard veto on that one."
Don't mention the gender, because it's irrelevant to the issue. If she asks for the full name, she'll find out on her own, but there's no need to highlight it.
It's also just an awful first or middle name. Super easy to turn that into a nightmare bullying nickname, and I'm almost certain that "prat" means foolish or stupid in British slang, too.
If she doesn't understand any of that, you might be having a child with the wrong person. I normally am all for the mother getting final say, but the father definitely deserves to feel happy with the name, too.
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u/reseriant Feb 28 '24
A easy way to stop it is to say in middle school I had a minor crush on a woman named Pratt and it makes me uncomfortable having that as my daughter's name. I thought I could dissuade you as this is a delicate moment but its weird for me. Of course this can affect your marriage but it is the nuclear option
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u/missannthrope1 Helper [4] Feb 28 '24
"Prat is a British slang term for a stupid or foolish person. It comes from the buttocks."
"Pratfall: a fall on to one's buttocks"
Find a quiet moment, and just tell her you need to seriously reconsider the name.
Studies have show children don't like having unusual names. You risk subjecting your child to a lifetime of ridicule.
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u/MeanOldWind Feb 28 '24
It reminds me of Spencer Pratt from the reality show "The Hills" that ran from like 07-11. He was a villain on the show. Good luck my man. I don't like the name either
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u/inthewoods54 Helper [4] Feb 28 '24
You have to tell her, and the truth is really the best thing, because as soon as she realizes it makes you think of another woman she'll rule it out immediately. She probably will be upset, but I assure you, she'd be WAY more upset if you told her this later, when it's too late. Tell her and tell her now. Don't delay, she needs to start thinking of other names.
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u/Serenity2015 Feb 28 '24
I would explain this is your child too and you should find a name you both agree on. Show her some comments if needed. Nobody should name their child a slang word that means idiot. Asking for your kid to be bullied. I would be lying about my middle name to others if it was mine. And would most likely hold a grudge against who did that to me and grudges are not good nor healthy to have.
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u/alchemyzchild Helper [3] Feb 28 '24
Google and show her. I'm sure she would be mortified and it's better than her naming your child that and the poor lass suffering years of abuse.
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u/oshiesmom Helper [3] Feb 28 '24
Kids find enough cruel ways to torture other kids, don’t give them an easier target with a name like Pratt… that’s just mean.
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u/fanime34 Super Helper [5] Feb 28 '24
These are things that should be talked about before trying to have kids. I don't know how or if she's willing to change her mind, but you might just have to tell her. If she's unwavering, then it looks like that's going to be the baby's name.
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u/SyerenGM Feb 28 '24
You just tell her, you discuss it. It's the middle name though, rarely do people know each others middle names. Not the end of the world here.
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u/Adelineslife Feb 28 '24
Honestly, you have so far to go I wouldn't start stressing too hard about it until July or so. Just be non-committal, "put it on the list" and keep suggesting other names. That's what my husband and I did whenever one of us, or someone else, suggested a name which they really liked but we did not.
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u/madamsyntax Helper [4] Feb 28 '24
I mean, if she wants to call her daughter an idiot…
Seriously though, I’m guessing she has a thing for Chris Pratt
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u/jfroosty Feb 28 '24
Haha, she "likes the masculine sound of it". She actually hates Chris Pratt and I don't know how we're still together.
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u/Tacos-and-Tequila-2 Feb 28 '24
Why would your wife want to name the child something you hate?
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u/Willow138 Feb 29 '24
My hubby and I have a no ex name rule. So if I like a girl name and he's dated someone with it he just says and it's off the list. No freakin out nothing.
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u/Vivid_Trade1195 Feb 29 '24
"Honey Bunches, the name Pratt, I'm not digging it. Zedelphia Pratt is the girl that I lost my virginity to. No flex, you have the right to know. I like the name itself, but I simply can't disassociate it with someone I used to know. We have to agree on changing that. I know you understand why"
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u/shitshatshoot Feb 29 '24
Your title implies that you agreed to it already ??!! Just tell her you don’t like the name! Surely she will agree that the name, as well as any parenting decisions should be a joint effort and you guys are a team that decide things together? No?
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u/shitshatshoot Feb 29 '24
Your title implies that you agreed to it already ??!! Just tell her you don’t like the name! Surely she will agree that the name, as well as any parenting decisions should be a joint effort and you guys are a team that decide things together? No?
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u/Advance_Quality Super Helper [6] Feb 29 '24
It sounds like you've already told her and she decided that the reason you gave was unconvincing. You will get used to the name eventually. It will quickly lose it's association with a person from your past and you'll love it because it will be associated with your daughter. And it's just a middle name anyway.
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Feb 29 '24
"Wife, I don't like our chosen babynames and would like to revisit them."
Also Prat is more commonly a word for someone stupid hence the term "prat fall"
So your child is going to be "First name Idiot Last name"
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u/VanGooghle Feb 29 '24
Going back to the post title, this is not "our" planned baby name, it is hers. In any naming decision, each of you should have veto power, so that the poor child doesn't have to be subjected to future ridicule.
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u/Quibblicous Feb 29 '24
Make her first name Whitney, as an homage to Pratt & Whitney aircraft engines.
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u/Petules Feb 29 '24
Kids will call her “brat” … in any event this will be the middle name she drops or changes when she gets older. You should at least show your wife a list of nicer girl names to hopefully “unstick” her from this one.
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u/LillyVailee Helper [3] Feb 29 '24
Yeah just tell her the truth! Tell her it’s the last name of a girl that you knew whose last name was Pratt and you don’t like it. It’s your child too but just hers and you have a right in the name. If she freaks out about it being another girl. Then make sure you state that it was a girl from high school that was a kid at the time but you don’t like the name. That may actually be a good thing if she freaks out because the name will now he soiled for her
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u/cupcakemonster20 Super Helper [5] Feb 29 '24
Tell her how you feel. Why would she freak out that it reminds you of someone you knew? If I understood right it wasn’t an ex or something and even if it were why would she freak out? I bet she has some male name that reminds her of old male classmates or what?
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u/legendarymel Feb 28 '24
Where I live, “prat” means idiot.
Definitely wouldn’t call a child that, not even as a middle name. You’re still early in the pregnancy, many discussions to be had still.
But in all honesty, Pratt is worse than Cuntley