Spiros or Spiro

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If during your next Corfu holiday you enter the nearest bar and screech at the top of your voice: "Spiros, get me an Amstel" -  you will look like a complete tourist! So to help prevent you from making the above mistake we are here to help with a short grammar lesson!

So, you have met a Greek waiter who has told you that his name is 'Spiro' - yet you have overheard others who have called him something else. Lets tell you why:

Firstly, during your meal you could correctly call him over saying 'Spiro, could we have another bottle of Boutari please!'

But - if you are talking about Spiro (not to him) then you need to add an 's' to the end of his name. For example 'Shall we ask Spiros to bring over another bottle of Boutari?'

This is true of all male Greek names: When you are talking to them - no 's' on the end. When you are talking about them add an 's'. With this in mind, if you were speaking to the Taverna owner, you would correctly say: "Costa, we think your waiter Spiros is great fun". Of course you could ask your waiter: "Spiro, do you like your boss Costas?"

Simple really, but please do not go sending me emails asking why girls names stay the same!

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 Nicknames

Most Greek names are very long and in everyday use are shortened:
 

Note: Spiros is often shortened further to 'pp' (pronounced 'pea pea'). Try to remember this one as using this expression with local Greeks will usually  gain a smile.

Also for some strange reason, people called Dimitris will often say their name is 'Jimmy'. So also 'Yanni' who will say their name is John!

Confused? I hope not that was the easy part!