No Quotation Marks Around Nicknames Unless Unusual or Within a Legal Name
The Quotation Mark
Rulebase Summary
Do not use quotation marks around nicknames unless the nickname is very unusual or it is placed within the legal name. Common nicknames used as a person's regular name do not need quotes.
Morson's Rule 117 · p.66
Examples
✗
A. I was told to meet Eddie 'the Knife' on First and Walnut that evening.
✓
A. I was told to meet Eddie 'the Knife' on First and Walnut that evening.
Unusual nickname within a legal name — quotes are acceptable.
✗
A. 'Cookie' could always be trusted to get the job done.
✓
A. Cookie could always be trusted to get the job done.
Common nickname used as the person's name — no quotes.
Style Guide References (1)
Morson's
Rule 117
Page 66