That Thing in Your Mouth: What Do You Call a Pacifier? (And Why So Many Names?)
My little one looked up at me, pulling their ever-present comfort object from their mouth just long enough to ask with wide-eyed curiosity: “Mama, what names do you call this?” They held up their trusty pacifier. A simple question, right? But as I started to answer, my brain froze. Pacifier? That felt… formal. Dummy? Was that even right here? Soother? Binky? Suddenly, I realized this tiny object had a whole dictionary of names depending on who you asked and where you lived. Turns out, answering “What do you call it?” is a fascinating trip through language, culture, and the adorable ways kids shape our words.
The “Official” Standbys (Sort Of)
If you walked into a store or looked at a baby registry list, you’d likely encounter a couple of front-runners:
Pacifier: This is probably the most widely recognized technical term, especially common in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It comes from the Latin word “pacificare,” meaning “to calm” or “to quiet.” It literally describes its job description: pacifying a fussy baby. It sounds a bit clinical, doesn’t it? Most parents don’t actually call out, “Quick, hand me the pacifier!” in the heat of a midnight meltdown.
Dummy: This is the dominant term across the United Kingdom and Ireland. Its origins are a bit less noble. It likely stems from the archaic meaning of “dummy” as something silent (like a ventriloquist’s dummy), referring to the idea that it stops the baby from crying or “gives them something to suck on instead of making noise.” While perfectly standard in the UK, some parents elsewhere might find the term a little harsh-sounding.
Soother: Very common in Canada and Ireland, and understood elsewhere, “soother” is beautifully descriptive and gentle. It directly speaks to the object’s primary function: soothing discomfort, anxiety, or tears. It feels warm and nurturing.
The World of Brand Names That Became Generic
Just like “Kleenex” for tissues or “Band-Aid” for adhesive bandages, certain pacifier brands became so popular that their names entered everyday language:
Binky: This is arguably the most widespread colloquial term in the US, even surpassing “pacifier” in casual conversation for many families. It originated as a trademarked name (by the Binky Baby Products company in the 1930s, later acquired by Playtex). Its cute, playful sound perfectly matched its use, and it stuck. Many parents and toddlers only call it a “binky.”
Nuk: Pronounced “nook,” this is the top brand name that became generic in countries like Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia. The name comes from the German word for “comfort” or “peace” (“nuckeln” also means to suckle). If you hear someone asking for a “Nuk,” they almost certainly mean a pacifier, regardless of the actual brand.
The Realm of Baby Talk and Family Slang
This is where it gets really fun (and sometimes baffling!). Families and communities invent their own words, often influenced by how a baby first tried to say “pacifier” or by its perceived qualities:
Onomatopoeia & Simplicity: Words that mimic sounds or are easy for little mouths often win out.
Paci / Passi: A simple shortening of “pacifier.”
Sucky / Sookie: Describing the primary action involved.
Dodo / Dodie: Common in Ireland and parts of the UK (likely from “dummy”).
Foofoo / Froofie: These whimsical names just sound comforting and soft. (“Foofoo” might even have roots in older baby slang for comfort blankets or objects).
Plug: A slightly cheeky term focusing on its silence-inducing effect, used occasionally.
Descriptive & Quirky: Sometimes the name comes from its appearance or feel.
Mute Button: A modern, humorous take from tired parents!
Button: Perhaps referencing the nipple shield part.
Nub / Nubby: Focusing on the part that goes in the mouth.
Chupón: The common Spanish term, meaning “sucker.”
Tété / Tutut: Common French-inspired terms (from “téter” – to suckle).
The “Comfort” Connection: Sometimes the name links it to other comfort objects.
Comforter: While more often used for security blankets, it gets applied to pacifiers too, emphasizing its role.
Bink: A shortened “binky.”
Mimi: A sweet, simple sound used in some families.
Why So Many Names? The Linguistics of Comfort
This explosion of names isn’t random. It’s driven by powerful forces:
1. Function Over Form: We name things based on what they do. “Soother,” “Sucky,” “Pacifier,” “Mute Button” – all describe its job. “Plug” and “Dummy” focus on the result (quietness).
2. Baby Talk Evolution: Toddlers are master linguists, twisting words to fit their abilities. “Binky” is easier than “pacifier.” “Dodie” is easier than “dummy.” When a child says “froofie” for the first time and it sticks, that becomes its name in that family. Language adapts to its users.
3. Regional Identity: Language evolves in pockets. “Dummy” crossed the Atlantic and stuck in the UK. “Pacifier” dominated in the US. Brand dominance (“Binky,” “Nuk”) cemented terms in specific markets. Local dialects create local words.
4. The Need for Affection: Comfort objects deserve comforting names. “Binky,” “Dodie,” “Foofoo” sound soft, gentle, and loving. “Pacifier” sounds like a medical device. The cuter terms reflect the emotional bond a child has with the object.
5. Parental Shortcuts: Exhausted parents reach for the shortest, easiest word possible in a crisis. “Passi!” is faster than “Please hand me the pacifier, darling.”
So, What Do You Call It?
When my child asked, “What names do you call it?”, I realized there wasn’t one true answer. Instead, I scooped them up and said, “Well, sweetie, lots of people call it different things! Most grown-ups call it a pacifier or a dummy. But you know what we call it? We call it your Binky. And Grandma calls it a Sucky. And our friend in London calls it a Dummy! Isn’t it funny how one thing can have so many names?”
Their eyes lit up. It wasn’t just about the object anymore; it was a little peek into the big, diverse world of words. It transformed a simple question into a tiny linguistics lesson wrapped in a cuddle.
So, the next time you reach for that little piece of silicone or latex that brings so much peace (or get asked what it’s called), remember: you’re holding a piece of linguistic history, family tradition, and global culture. Whether it’s a Binky, Dummy, Soother, Nuk, Dodie, or Froofoo, its most important name is whatever brings comfort to your little one. And that’s the only answer that truly matters. Now, if you’ll excuse me, someone just spit their Binky out and needs it back… stat.
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