Scarlett Johansson Still Wants to Know Who Started ‘ScarJo’—And She’s Not Amused

Scarlett Johansson, one of Hollywood’s most renowned actresses, has a long history of stellar performances, from Lost in Translation to her iconic role as Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Yet, despite her success and widespread fame, one part of her public persona has never sat comfortably with her: the nickname “ScarJo.”

The Emergence of “ScarJo”

The nickname “ScarJo” is a shortened combination of her first name, Scarlett, and the first two letters of her last name, Jo. It is a common practice in the media to create such nicknames for celebrities, and “ScarJo” was no exception. The nickname likely emerged around 2003, following Johansson’s rise to fame with her performance in Lost in Translation, a film that solidified her as one of Hollywood’s brightest stars.

While the exact origin of the nickname remains unclear, it quickly gained traction in tabloids and fan circles, becoming widely associated with Johansson. However, as much as the public embraced it, Johansson has been vocal about her disdain for the moniker.

Johansson’s Dislike for “ScarJo”

From the start, Johansson has made her feelings clear regarding “ScarJo.” In a 2011 interview with USA Today, she called the nickname “awful” and “lazy.” She questioned why people couldn’t simply say her full name, comparing the practice to the idea of calling Cate Blanchett “CaBla,” which she found equally inappropriate. In a 2014 interview with Glamour, Johansson went further, describing “ScarJo” as “tacky,” “lazy,” and “flippant.” She also associated it with pop stars, a label she has never identified with.

In a 2024 New York Times interview, Johansson reiterated her curiosity about who started the nickname, emphasizing that she preferred to be addressed by her full name. For Johansson, “ScarJo” didn’t feel like a term of endearment but rather one that undermined her professional identity and was commonly used by strangers.

Public and Media Context

Despite Johansson’s personal dislike for “ScarJo,” the nickname has been widely embraced by the media. It has appeared in various publications, from gossip tabloids to fan-made quizzes. The use of “ScarJo” is often seen as a way for the media to create a catchy, shorthand reference for the actress, especially in the fast-paced world of entertainment reporting. However, Johansson’s statements consistently underline her discomfort with the nickname, presenting a clash between public perception and her personal preference.

Her dislike of “ScarJo” is also a way for her to distinguish between fans and friends. As she shared in an interview with Hindustan Times, only strangers typically use the nickname, while her inner circle respects her preference for her full name.

The Ongoing Legacy of “ScarJo”

While “ScarJo” continues to be used by the media and fans, Johansson’s consistent rejection of the nickname is an important aspect of her public persona. It highlights the tension between celebrity identity, as shaped by the media, and the personal identity that actors like Johansson strive to maintain. She has, through multiple interviews over the years, made it clear that she wants to be seen as more than just a pop-culture icon; she wants to be seen as Scarlett Johansson.

In the end, while “ScarJo” may have stuck in the public’s consciousness, Johansson’s consistent stand against the nickname underscores her desire to be respected in her own terms, reminding the world that celebrities, too, have control over how they are perceived.

Conclusion

The nickname “ScarJo” remains a media-created shorthand that gained popularity around 2003, but Scarlett Johansson has made it clear that she dislikes it. Despite its widespread use, Johansson prefers to be called by her full name, emphasizing the distinction between her public identity and her personal preferences. Through her candid interviews, she has addressed the nickname with humor and clarity, showcasing her professionalism and reinforcing her stance on how she wishes to be recognized.