What's in a Name?

Well, that depends...

Take the nickname "Old Head." After I retired four years ago and started to substitute teach in juvenile prison settings, a lot of the kids called me that. Both to my face and behind it. I assumed they were put off by my white hair, and determined not to be bothered by it.

But as time went by, I grew more and more puzzled. I liked the kids. They seemed to like me. Yet many persisted in calling me Old Head.

Eventually, one of my young charges enlightened me. "Please don't think that's meant as an insult," he said. "In the 'hood, that's the name we give someone who's been around -- who knows the score. It's a sign of respect."

Now, when I'm addressed that way, I just grin.

Most of the time, anyway.