Nicknames in Mexico are common. Almost everyone has one. Some names you recognize ~ Poncho (Francisco), Checo (Sergio), and Chucho (Jesús). Other, more creative names, you might hear on the street.
People who know Ernesto, call him Neto. But people who grew up with him in Mazatlán call him Chanfles ~ which refers to the wicked, left-footed kick that was his trademark in soccer games when he was a boy. Neto was able to kick the ball hard, with so much spin to it, his opponents were helpless. His team scored and he won the game.
There are other nicknames found in many families that refer to physical features. Güero is the name typically given to the lightest child in a family and Prieto is often the name given to the darkest one. A guy who is losing his hair is known as Pelón, a girl who is tiny and petite is known as Ratona (Mouse) and a boy with big ears is called ~ you guessed it ~ Orejas.
A Citizen of the World is full of nicknames for Neto’s friends. Bombon (Marshmallow), Huesos (Bones), Tetas (a guy so fat he has “man-boobs”) and Sombra (Shadow) are a few of the people you will meet. While these names might be considered inappropriate in other cultures, they are meant to be fun. Someone thinks of a name, it sticks, and no one seems to take offense. It’s just the way it is.