LA Times Nickname Ideas: 45+ Cute, Funny & Unique Options (2026)

Introduction

The Los Angeles Times, often abbreviated as the LA Times, is one of the most recognized newspapers in the United States, with a history dating back to 1881. Whether you’re a daily reader, a crosswords enthusiast, or a journalist referencing the paper in conversation, a nickname can add personality and familiarity. This guide provides over 45 nickname ideas for the LA Times, organized by style—from classic shortenings to humorous spins and modern creative tags. Each entry includes a brief explanation so you can choose the one that fits your context, whether casual, affectionate, or witty.

Classic LA Times Nicknames

• LAT – The simplest abbreviation, used universally in newsrooms and by readers who want a crisp, professional shorthand.
• The Times – A common shortened reference, echoing the paper’s full historic name and used widely in California and beyond.
• LA Times (as a nickname for itself) – Often spoken as “El Ay Times,” this is the standard casual name used in everyday conversation.
• The L.A. Times – Adding periods emphasizes the city initials, giving a slightly more formal yet familiar feel.
• Times-O – A playful extension popular among local readers, adding an affectionate “-o” suffix reminiscent of Californian slang.
• The Big T – Referring to the prominent “T” in the logo; used in sports sections and by fans of the paper’s coverage.
• Cal Times – A regional variation that connects the paper to California rather than just Los Angeles.
• The Spread – An insider reference to the paper’s broadsheet layout and wide coverage, used by journalists.
• LAT News – A digital-era nickname that distinguishes the print edition from its website or app.
• The Downtown Daily – A nod to the paper’s historic headquarters in downtown Los Angeles.

Cute LA Times Nicknames

• Tiny Times – A affectionate diminutive used when referring to the paper in a lightweight or nostalgic way.
• L.A. Timesy – Adding a “-y” suffix makes it endearing, perfect for someone who loves the paper like a friend.
• Timesy Wimesy – A rhyming, cutesy version for inside jokes among family or close coworkers.
• Sunny Times – Linking the paper to Southern California’s sunny weather; works well for weekend editions.
• Lil’ Times – A playful, informal way to refer to the paper, especially when reading a short article.
• Timesie – Another diminutive, similar to adding a pet name suffix; used by devoted fans.
• El Lay T – A slangy, cute pronunciation of “L.A.T.” using local vernacular.
• Golden State Gazette – A poetic, affectionate nickname that highlights California pride.
• Morning Morsel – Referring to the paper as a daily treat to enjoy with coffee.
• The Page Turner – A cute nod to the physical act of reading the paper, loved by print enthusiasts.

Funny LA Times Nicknames

• The L.A. Times They Are A-Changin’ – A pun on Bob Dylan’s song and the evolving media landscape.
• Lame Times – A self-deprecating joke often used by readers when they disagree with an editorial.
• L.A. Crime Spree – A humorous exaggeration of the paper’s extensive crime reporting.
• The Daily Traffic Jam – A playful reference to both L.A. traffic and the paper’s coverage of it.
• Times-New Roman – A font-based pun for fans of typography or journalism in-jokes.
• The Crosswords of Doom – A lighthearted take on the famously challenging crossword puzzle.
• L.A. TMI – Joking that the paper gives too much information or overshares.
• West Coast Whine – Mocking the occasional opinion pieces perceived as complaining.
• Smog Gazette – A humorous reference to L.A.’s historical smog problem.
• The Wrap – A pun on “wrapping” up the news and the paper’s actual wrapping in plastic for delivery.

Cool and Creative LA Times Nicknames

• LATimesicle – A modern, portmanteau name that sounds like a popsicle brand, great for social media handles.
• El Lay Times – A stylized phonetic spelling that feels streetwise and local.
• XL Times – Using Roman numerals for a sleek, minimalistic vibe, especially for the expanded Sunday edition.
• Angel Times – A cool nod to Los Angeles being the “City of Angels.”
• Threaded T – A creative reference to the paper’s typeface and its interconnected stories.
• L.A. Voice – A powerful, modern name that positions the paper as the city’s vocal outlet.
• 8-8-1 – Using the founding year as a numeric handle for a vintage, authentic feel.
• Tinsel Town Times – A glamorous nickname referencing Hollywood’s nickname.
• The Coast Chronicle – A poetic, brand-worthy name for the West Coast perspective.
• L.A. Ink – A sharp, edgy reference to the paper’s printed ink.

LA Times Nicknames by Personality Type

• The Avid Reader: For the person who reads every section—try Full Spread because they consume the entire paper.
• The Crossword Solver: For the puzzle enthusiast—use Grid Genius or Puzzle Pundit.
• The Local News Junkie: For those who follow city politics and neighborhood stories—Californian Chronicle fits perfectly.
• The Sports Fan: For readers who only pick up the sports section—Dodger Digest or L.A. Score.
• The Editorial Skimmer: For someone who just reads headlines and opinions—Op-Ed Oasis is a light, fitting name.

Tips for Using a LA Times Nickname

• Context matters: Use formal nicknames like “LAT” in professional settings, and playful ones like “Tiny Times” with friends or in social media posts.
• Check audience familiarity: Not everyone outside Los Angeles will understand local slang nicknames; choose widely known options like “The Times” for broader conversation.
• Cultural sensitivity: Avoid nicknames that might disrespect the paper or its staff; keep humor affectionate, not mocking.
• Personalize it: Combine a nickname with a reader’s name, e.g., “Matt’s Morning Morsel,” to create a unique tag.

Related Names and Nicknames

• New York Times: Often called “NYT,” “The Gray Lady,” or “The Paper of Record.” The structure mirrors LA Times nicknames.
• Washington Post: Known as “WaPo,” “The Post,” or “Democracy Dies in Darkness.” These illustrate how major papers develop shorthand.
• Chicago Tribune: Nicknamed “The Trib” or “Chitown Tribune,” showing regional variations similar to LA Times options.
• San Francisco Chronicle: Called “SF Chron” or “The Chronicle,” offering another West Coast parallel.
• USA Today: Often called “USA T” or “The Nation’s Newspaper,” useful for comparison of national vs. regional styles.

Conclusion

Whether you want a classic shorthand like “LAT,” a cute endearment like “Timesy Wimesy,” or a funny pun like “L.A. TMI,” there’s a wide range of nicknames for the Los Angeles Times to suit every context. For formal writing, stick with “The Times” or “LAT”; for casual chats, feel free to get creative. Explore other newspaper nickname guides or username ideas to build your own unique media lexicon.