I'm surprised nobody has confessed to using nicknames, for indoors use of course. 
Vera was a tall, slim lady all her life, but on the spur of the moment I once came out with "Jumbo". I won't regale you with the circumstances, but before I could run she said "I like that" and it stuck! Phew! 
Late husband's Birthday - what to do?
Disappearing contributors - part 2


