This article originally appeared at Fishki.net Translated by Kristina Aleshnikova.

No matter what names we may be known for, the most important thing is to always find pride in being Russian - to love our country without succumbing to chauvinism.

No bad feelings, really! ;)

Nowadays, ethnic nicknames are a subject of research. In scientific circles a neutral ethnic nickname is called an “exonym”; whereas a derogatory term with negative connotations is an “ethnophaulism”. Understanding the origins of ethnic nicknames can help explain many things – about oneself, about one’s neighbour and about one’s neighbour’s neighbour.

1. In Ukrainian – “Katsap”

Russians received this playful nickname from their Ukrainian brothers — the "Khokhli.” Experts still speculate on its origins. Some say Katsap means "kak tsap" (goat) because the bearded Russian reminded the clean-shaven Ukrainian of a goat. Others perceive Turkic roots in the word "kasap," which translate as "butcher” or “robber." There are also various derivatives of the word “katsap.” By extension For instance, Russia is called Katsapia, Katsapetovka, Katsapuria, Katsaplandia or Katsapstan. The word "katsap" is quite frequently used in literature and folklore. One example: "God created the goat (tsap), whereas the devil created the katsap" (Ukrainian proverb).

2. In and Beyond Russia – “Moskal”

Russians, most often natives of Moscow had a vast influence throughout Russian territory and on the public affairs of neighbouring countries even prior to becoming the capital city after ca.1480. This influence gave rise to the nickname Moskal; a designation without negative connotation referring to Russian soldiers serving in military expeditions. Moskal or Mascal soldiers did not live in barracks or camps but as guests in the homes of local inhabitants. Whether a soldier was well-fed or went hungry depended on his ability to "negotiate" with the owners of his accommodations. Naturally, Russian soldiers were not indifferent to the local ladies but relationships lasted only as long as the Moskali themselves, remained guests of the village. When his orders came, summoning the soldier to other lands, romantic ties were soon forgotten. This behaviour popularized the use of the verb to “moskalit,” which means to “swindle” or “cheat”.

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3. In Germany and the US – “Ivan”

Since the Great Patriotic War 1941-45, Russians in Germany and the United States were sometimes called Ivans. In response, Russians called the Germans Fritz and Caucasians Hatchiks or Hatchis. The word "hatch" translates as "cross" in Armenian, a very common Armenian name. Incidentally, Muslims (Azerbaijanis and Turks) were the first to call the Armenians Hatchiks.

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4. In Korea – “Mauchzhe”

This nickname was given to Russians by Soviet Koreans. The description is based on the Chinese name for Russians "maoza" pronounced "moutsza" in Korean meaning “bearded man”.

5. In Finland – “Venyalyainen” and “Ryussya”

Venyalyainen is a neutral designation for Russians in Finland, whereas Ryussya is considered derogatory. Nowadays, Ryussya is often used colloquially in reference to Russian speakers originating from the former Soviet Union and occasionally the children of mixed marriages. Initially, the nickname referred to the local Orthodox population (predominantly ethnic Karelian). Swedish being widely spoken in Finland also helped spread its use as their expression for Russians has traditionally been the term Ryss

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6. In Estonia – “Tibla”

Tibla or Tybla is an ethnophaulism given to Russians by their Baltic neighbours the Estonians stemming from the phrase "you Bugger”, originating in reference to the occupying Red Army soldiers from 1918-1920, then 1940-1941 and 1944. A popular slur during the later Soviet era, it became firmly ensconced in their lexicon upon gaining independence in 1991 as a contemptuous, offensive nickname for the country’s Russian-speaking inhabitants; particularly those not versed in the native language. The Estonian Press Council has suggested that the expression “Tybla” primarily refers to a particular type of individual, namely a “Homo Sovieticus”.

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7. In Afghanistan - Shuravi

The Afghans were the first to use the nickname Shuravi in reference to Soviet soldiers, derived from the similar sounding Russian equivalent shouravi or šouravī i.e. Soviet. These days, it is considered a neutral, even respectful term alluding to any Russians in Arab countries.