They've been a part of the fabric of Australian society since time immemorial.

The most basic usually involve shortening one's first or last name and adding an 'o' or 'y' on the end.

Steve-o, Tom-o, Josh-o, Matty, Jimmy… the list goes on.

No doubt we've all got a friend that fits the mould.

The sporting environment, however, is a little different and footy players, contrary to popular opinion, are pretty creative when it comes to this art form.

A nickname is more than just a bastion for hilarity, it means so much more in a team environment.

Regardless of the origin, receiving a nickname means that you've been accepted into the group and the boys enjoy having you around.

Yes, there are such things as good and bad nicknames, but it's up to you to determine if that nickname sticks or not.

The rule of thumb is that the more you complain or react negatively to a nickname, the greater the likelihood of it sticking.

So, if you're in the unfortunate position of finally being accepted into the team with a nickname that you'd rather not have, the best course of action is to just grin and bear it.

It can go either one of two ways: the team gets bored with it and reverts back to the old Steve-o formula, or you get used to the name yourself and you turn it into your own personal legacy. More often than not it's the latter option, so you better thicken up that skin!

In my humble opinion, the sporting nickname falls under four categories.

1. Look-a-likes/ Sound-a-likes / Act-a-likes

The most creative and often hilarious class of nickname. Like I said, footy players aren't known for their inventiveness, but if you heard some of these monikers, you'd be inclined to think they moonlight as comedians.

James Horwill, for example, has the nickname of Big Kev, or Kev for short. The reason being is that he's always excited, much like the businessman of the same name, who always ended his advertisements with the phrase, "I'm excited!" James Hanson, universally known as 'Chibba' even by his own parents, garnered his nickname because of his resemblance to a Japanese anime character that was rather rotund. The similarity between a young James was too striking to ignore .

On the other hand, a player can have a number of nicknames. Liam Gill for example, known as 'Gilly' to most, has the nickname 'Trev' as well. The boys reasoned that because of the Gilly reference, it's got a striking resemblance to that of Queensland Origin hard man Trevor Gillmeister. Long bow to draw, but inventive nonetheless.

2. The Obvious

Pretty self-explanatory. A take on the first, last or both names of a player. CB (Curtis Browning), QC (Quade Cooper), Dales (myself), Dules (Dave McDuling).

Ingenuity is lacking, but don't let the simplicity fool you. There are some solid bits of gold within this category, with the nickname of Will Genia the shining light.

Will's passport reveals that his first name is actually Sanchez, and with something as unique as that, the boys jumped right on board. Willy G and Sanchez are thus used interchangeably in the Reds locker room.

3. Situational/ observational

Similar to the first category, the ability of blokes to bring out the inner comic means that they miss nothing in given situations. The result is that players can acquire nicknames based on a particular attribute or instance the team becomes aware of. Laurie Weeks was one of those players.

Unfortunately for Laurie when his team-issued pants needed altering they were returned with a length that reached mid calf. The seamstress had indeed shred them. Low and behold, he was henceforth known as 'Shredder'.

Hugh McMeniman, an ex Reds and Force player, was known as 'Madness' to his teammates because his physical and wild style of play gave him the resemblance of a mad man as he launched into every breakdown.

And finally one of my favourites, Al Baxter, ex Wallaby tighthead, had the nickname 'The Fuse'. Now Al, by all reports, was a mild mannered gent the majority of the time. However, after a particularly intense sparring session in a Wallabies camp he snapped and belted the trainer for reasons unknown. Al was no more. He had now become The Fuse.

4. Self-proclaimed

A category fraught with danger. The chances of this name sticking are low, and the resultant consequences can be severe. You see, nicknames are not usually for personal application and if you try and give yourself one you'll end up receiving a name from the boys that you hate.

There's little hope you'll be able to shake it off. But again there are exceptions and genuine characters are created. The two best going around at the moment in Super Rugby are the 'Beast' and the 'Honey Badger'.

Sharks player Tendai Mtawarira dubbed himself the 'Beast' many years ago and if you've had the pleasure of crossing paths with him, you'll know why. You'll also never question the name. Ever.

Similarly, if you haven't heard of the 'Honey Badger', you've been living under a rock. Nick Cummins, winger for the Western Force, has a cult following based on this nickname that stems from his love for the African weasel-like creature that displays no fear. His description of the animal alone is something that will leave you in stitches.

Closer to home, Rob Simmons has been attempting to get 'Chainsaw' over the line for quite a while. So far he hasn't had any success (Simmo just rolls off the tongue too easily), but his continued commitment is admirable.

I'm sure many of you have a number of friends or teammates that fit into these categories, or you know of categories that I haven't even mentioned. The point is that a nickname is a right of passage and a sporting team wouldn't be the same without them.

Three of the best nicknames and best blokes I've come across in my career are playing their last home games for the Reds this weekend. I speak for all of the boys in saying that you couldn't ask for better teammates or better friends. All the best Kev, Chibba and Sanchez. You'll be missed.

Go the Reds.