‘B Dubs’: 10 Informal Nicknames for Famous Brands

Back in 2010, Chevrolet executives sent an internal memo to staff, advising them to avoid using the widely recognized nickname Chevy. Despite the car being popularly called by this name for years, General Motors worried it could cause confusion in new international markets and disrupt their branding strategy. However, after facing backlash, the company reassured the public that they “adore” when customers use the term.

Regardless of their stance, it’s undeniable that nicknames and casual terms often reflect the public’s fondness for a brand. Here are some other playful nicknames for well-known companies.

Wally World // Walmart

Shoppers looking for deals might say they’re “off to Wally World” when heading to Walmart. While the exact origin of the nickname is unclear, it first appeared in a 1990 letter from a seventh grader published in the Carlsbad Current-Argus. The child wrote about a fishing trip, mentioning that his family “stopped at Wally World (Wal-mart) to grab some extra food and restock.” The term likely gained traction online in later years.

The nickname is widely recognized: A 2019 National Retail Federation survey found that 79 percent of respondents knew Wally World referred to Walmart, and 63 percent admitted to using the term themselves.

Walley World (with an e) was the fictional theme park that inspired the Griswold family’s road trip in the 1983 film National Lampoon’s Vacation. This likely influenced Walmart’s nickname. “With its massive product range, affordable prices, and convenience, Walmart can feel like a theme park for bargain hunters,” retail expert Michael Barton explained to MarketingScoop.com. “The nickname ‘Wally World’ humorously captures this sentiment, turning a routine shopping trip into an exciting adventure.”

B Dubs // Buffalo Wild Wings

The chicken wing chain Buffalo Wild Wings is commonly known by two nicknames: B Dubs and BW3s. The latter originates from the restaurant’s original name when it was established in 1982: Buffalo Wild Wings & Weck (referring to a kummelweck roll). After shortening the name in 1998, the nickname followed suit. In 2017, the brand launched a smaller, delivery-focused outlet called B Dubs Express.

Mickey D’s // McDonald’s

McDonald’s is widely recognized by two nicknames: the Golden Arches and Mickey D’s. The first refers to its iconic signage, while the latter has an interesting history. According to Green’s Dictionary of Slang, Mickey D’s likely emerged in the Black community during the 1970s. McDonald’s later embraced the term, incorporating it into their advertising and trademarking it in 1982. In 1993, they even introduced a burger called the “Mickey D,” a 5.3-ounce patty marketed as larger than competitors’ offerings, though it didn’t gain much popularity.

However, calling it Mickey D’s in Australia might confuse locals. There, the chain is commonly referred to as Macca’s.

Bloomie’s // Bloomingdale’s

In the late 19th century, brothers Joseph and Lyman Bloomingdale revolutionized New York City’s retail scene by offering a wide range of women’s fashion, unlike other stores that typically focused on a single style or garment. Over time, Bloomingdale’s expanded into housewares and grew to occupy an entire city block. The store became a symbol of prestige; one customer even proudly admitted to spending $1000 more on dining room furniture there than at a competitor, just to say she bought it at Bloomingdale’s.

However, shoppers seemed to find the store’s three-syllable name too lengthy, leading to the nickname “Bloomie’s.” This term dates back to at least 1928, when Bloomingdale’s advertised a holiday event featuring Bloomie the Clown. The earliest printed reference to Bloomie’s appeared in 1969, describing it as “girl talk for Bloomingdale’s.” By 1973, it was noted as a term of endearment used by young couples and professionals. In 2021, the chain started opening smaller stores under the Bloomie’s name.

Caddy // Cadillac

The luxury automobile brand Cadillac takes its name from Antoine de la Mothe, the French founder of Detroit, who adopted the title Sieur de Cadillac to falsely suggest noble lineage. (He was also accused of exploiting fur traders for personal gain, among other misdeeds.) Established in 1902, Cadillac’s use of the nickname Caddy remains unclear in its early history. However, a 1950 news bulletin reported that broadcaster Art Hannes narrowly avoided being struck by a “Caddy” on Broadway in New York City. Hannes quipped, “Never trust Cadillac drivers—they’re too busy making payments to learn how to drive.”

Caddy isn’t the only nickname associated with Cadillac: presidential limousines modified from Cadillac models are famously known as the Beast.

Skinemax // Cinemax

Launched in 1980, Cinemax was a premium cable channel that struggled to escape the shadow of its more prominent sibling, HBO. Instead of gaining a reputation for prestige, it became known for its risqué programming, including softcore adult films featured in its “After Dark” lineup, with titles like The Bikini Escort Company and Busty Housewives of Beverly Hills. This content earned the channel the nickname Skinemax. In the 2010s, Cinemax shifted focus, producing higher-quality originals such as Steven Soderbergh’s The Knick and the action series Banshee, starring Antony Starr before his role in The Boys. By 2018, both Cinemax and HBO had largely moved away from adult content, prompting The Hollywood Reporter to declare, “Skinemax No More.”

Tar-jay // Target

The pinnacle of boomer humor might be pronouncing Target as “TAR-jay” or “TAR-zhay,” as if the store for everyday essentials were an upscale French boutique. This playful nickname likely originated in Target’s home state of Minnesota. Douglas Dayton, a member of the founding family and the company’s first president, recalled hearing the joke as early as 1962. “Duluth was the first place I heard it,” he said.

The Tiffany Network // CBS

CBS has long been referred to as “the Tiffany network,” a nickname likely inspired by the leadership of William S. Paley. As CEO, Paley was known for curating critically acclaimed shows in the 1950s and 1960s, such as Playhouse 90 and The Defenders, and for hiring legendary journalists like Edward R. Murrow. His commitment to high-quality programming drew comparisons to the luxury jeweler Tiffany and Co., a stark contrast to the era’s slang terms like boob tube and idiot box.

Other networks also sought to claim the title. ABC’s Fred Silverman once expressed his desire to make ABC “the Tiffany of networks.” Similarly, in 1971, Hal Kantor, the warm-up comic for the Oscars, humorously told the audience that NBC was “the Tiffany of networks—on some nights.”

Big Blue // IBM

IBM, formally known as International Business Machines, has long been affectionately called Big Blue. One explanation for the nickname points to the blue displays of its computer monitors in the 1960s, while another attributes it to the blue font in the company’s logo. However, the name might trace back to IBM’s Rochester, Minnesota, facility, built in 1958. Architect Eero Saarinen reportedly drew inspiration from the state’s blue skies and lakes, giving the building a distinctive blue hue. (The nickname also inspired the name of IBM’s supercomputer, Deep Blue.)

Coke // Coca-Cola

It’s rare for someone ordering a Coca-Cola to use its full name. Saying, “I’d like a Coca-Cola” sounds overly formal. Most people simply ask for a Coke.

The nickname gained popularity early on, much to Coca-Cola’s initial dismay. In 1913, the company ran ads urging consumers to “ask for it by its full name,” fearing that Coke might become a generic term for any soft drink. However, the public embraced the nickname, and by the 1940s, Coca-Cola had to acknowledge it in their advertising, calling it a “friendly abbreviation.” The company eventually trademarked the term.

Interestingly, Chevrolet executives referenced Coke in their memo discouraging the use of Chevy, praising Coca-Cola’s focus on brand consistency. Yet, when consumers adopt a nickname, brands often have no choice but to embrace it.