It is biblically forbidden for one to call someone by a nickname with intent to belittle him, even if it is normal for this person to be referred to by this nickname and is not embarrassed by it. Furthermore, even if one does not have any intent to belittle him with the nickname, it is forbidden for one to call someone by a nickname if he may be embarrassed by it, and certainly, if one knows that he feels ashamed when called by this name. Accordingly, you should not call somebody by a nickname unless you know that it is common for the person to be called by this name and he is not embarrassed by it, and you do not have any intent to belittle him by using it.
See Admur C..M. Hilchos Onah Halacha 29; Michaber 228:5; Tur 228; Rambam Deios 6:8; Bava Metzia 58b; Imrei Yaakov on Admur ibid
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