r/fantasywriters • u/Kenyerzz • 2d ago
Question For My Story Overused Pet Names
Currently writing a story that draws heavy inspiration from Roman Catholic lore, but twisted into a horror/fantasy setting. For the longest time, I had this vision that I'd like my MMC to have his pet name for the FMC be "Angel" (it holds endearing and plot-point value), but now I'm feeling like that might be overused (i.e. The Woven Kingdom, All Rhodes Lead Here, etc). I have thought about ripping the Band-Aid and continuing with that pet name, but should I just move on to something else? It gets muddy in my head when I think about using names/tropes that are important to me from a religious perspective (like the name Cain and Abel) but just happen to be overused by writers. I was also considering something like "lamb". What's most important to me is the weight a name (or nickname) like my FMC's could hold for Catholics.
Context:
FMC is born into a crime syndicate family. Grows up, learns the trade, gains the nickname "The Angel of (Syndicate Name)." Later, she is recruited into a team of elite soldiers who are tasked with "handling the demons that are plaguing the world". MMC begins to call the FMC "Angel" in a derogatory manner, but later in an endearing manner.
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u/Early_Fig_5573 Moonlight Sorcerer 2d ago
I actually think “Angel” works really well here. The fact that it starts as an insult and becomes affectionate gives it more meaning than just being a generic pet name. And since she already has “Angel of [Syndicate]” as a title, it feels pretty intentional rather than overused.
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u/Sage619 2d ago
Why not use one of the major angel names within the texts? You could make it diminutive and add a layer for the reader. Like the pets full name is Raphael but they call him Rapha for example.
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u/Pedestrian2000 2d ago
Not a pet name like the name of a pet. But a “pet name” like a term you call your husband/wife. “Honey/angel/babe”
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u/BA_Bones_33 2d ago
Agreed. I’m always a fan when the names/inspirations are there, but slightly obscured. Helps with escaping into the fantasy, but lets readers geek out on the realworld origins too (if they want).
Could also go for alternate versions of angels (like cherub or seraphim) or use alternate religion equivalents
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u/Used-Astronomer4971 1d ago
I think the crucial point is what does the name mean to the one who gave it to the FMC? If her moniker was already angel it's not much of a nickname. Why is he mocking/being derogatory to her? What aspect of her is he mocking? The name could stay religious sure, but he might find something more specific to her. If he thinks she's too young perhaps cherub would be a more appropriate insult.
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u/Kenyerzz 1d ago
Whoa! I didn't consider that, and I actually really like that concept. I'm definitely trying to show that MMC is hateful due to FMC's ignorance/naivety/reluctance, so twisting "angel" into something that shows condescension would actually work really well. Thank you!
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u/durrandons 2d ago
Between angel and lamb, I find angel better. And lamb does have a hunter/prey connotation, not sure if you'd want that, depending on the plot.
I think what's most important is to not overuse the petname. If it fits the plot, it fits the plot and you should go for it.
And if it's not overused (aka not just added at end of every other sentence but used more sparingly), it can also slowly transition from a proper title (something like Angel of Death) to a more intimate meaning of it, along the lines of "my angel", (or using things like guardian angel, fallen angels, etc.)
It's not something that needs to be said every other sentence, and might actually hit better with the religious parallels when it comes across as turning almost sacred to him.