Being punctual is a virtue but we all know someone who seems to have a special relationship with time specifically.
They’re always running behind it! In this comprehensive guide we’ll find the first half of our collection of hilarious nicknames for those chronically tardy friends and family members who keep us waiting.
Main Points
Before diving into the creative nicknames, let’s understand why having a lighthearted approach to tardiness can be beneficial:
- Reduces tension in relationships
- Creates a memorable way to address the issue
- Adds humor to potentially frustrating situations
- Helps in identifying patterns of behavior
- Encourages positive change through gentle ribbing
Better late than never, but never late is better. – Viking Proverb
Common Traits of Perpetually Late People:
- Chronic optimism about timing
- Poor estimation of travel duration
- Multiple “last-minute” tasks
- Difficulty with morning routines
- Frequent losing of essential items
- Tendency to get distracted easily
Tardy Tortoise
It is perhaps the most classic nickname for someone who moves at their own pace, much like our shell-wearing friend from Aesop’s fables.
This nickname works particularly well because:
- It’s alliterative and memorable
- References the well-known “Tortoise and Hare” story
- Perfectly describes the slow-moving nature of chronically late individuals
Chronically Delayed Dude

It is perfect for that laid-back friend who seems to exist in their own time zone.
This nickname has gained popularity because it:
- Acknowledges the persistent nature of lateness
- Has a casual, friendly tone
- Can be shortened to “CDD” for extra effect
Time Management Issue | Typical Excuse | Reality Check |
Morning Delays | “Traffic was terrible!” | Left 15 minutes too late |
Meeting Times | “The previous meeting ran long” | Poor schedule planning |
Social Events | “I lost track of time” | Didn’t set reminders |
Last-Minute Larry
It is perfectly capturing the essence of someone who always seems to be rushing at the eleventh hour. This nickname is particularly effective because:
- It emphasizes the pattern of last-minute behavior
- Has a memorable alliteration
- Perfectly describes the rushing and chaos
I’m not late, I’m just operating on Larry Time! – Common excuse from a Last-Minute Larry
Characteristics of a Last-Minute Larry:
- Always rushing to gather belongings
- Frequently forgets essential items
- Often arrives breathless and disheveled
- Has mastered the art of creative excuses
- Expert at speed-walking through parking lots
Behind-the-Times Betty
Behind-the-Times Betty represents that friend who seems to be perpetually running on a delayed schedule.
This nickname works well because:
- It plays on the phrase behind the times
- Has a vintage, charming quality
- Can be used affectionately
Common Betty Behaviors:
- Consistently arrives 15-30 minutes late
- Often blames their watch
- Has multiple alarms set (but ignores them all)
- Always has an elaborate story about why they’re late
- Promises to be on time “next time”
Slowpoke Steve
It is the perfect nickname for someone who takes their sweet time getting anywhere.
This nickname has endured because:
- It’s simple and straightforward
- Has a playful, Pokémon-inspired reference
- Easy to remember and speak
Case Study: A real-life Slowpoke Steve tracked his tardiness for a month and found he was late to 87% of his appointments by an average of 18 minutes.
Time Lost Per Activity | Minutes Late | Annual Hours Wasted |
Morning Commute | 15 | 60 |
Lunch Meetings | 10 | 40 |
Social Events | 25 | 50 |
Appointments | 20 | 40 |
Delayed Diva
The Delayed Diva is perfect for that friend who makes a grand entrance – always fashionably late.
This nickname has gained traction because:
- It acknowledges the dramatic nature of their lateness
- Combines timing with personality
- Has a hint of glamour
Typical Delayed Diva Excuses:
- “Beauty takes time!”
- “I had to find the perfect outfit”
- “My hair wasn’t cooperating”
- “I needed to make an entrance”
- “The lighting wasn’t right for my makeup”
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Time-Traveling Tina

It is perfect for that person who seems to exist in their own temporal dimension.
This creative nickname works because:
- It suggests a sci-fi element to their tardiness
- Implies they’re operating in a different time zone
- Creates a whimsical explanation for chronic lateness
Time-Traveling Tina’s Greatest Hits:
- “I swear it was 2 PM just five minutes ago!”
- “Did we say 3 PM this timeline or the alternate one?”
- “My time machine must be malfunctioning again”
- “I got caught in a temporal vortex”
- “Time is relative, Einstein said so!”
Punctuality-Challenged Pete
It represents those who struggle with the very concept of being on time.
This nickname is effective because:
- It acknowledges tardiness as a genuine challenge
- Has a sympathetic tone
- Creates awareness of the behavior pattern
Punctuality Challenge | Impact | Solution Strategy |
Clock Blindness | Consistent tardiness | Set multiple alarms |
Schedule Optimism | Booking conflicts | Add buffer time |
Preparation Delays | Morning rushes | Evening preparation |
Route Planning | Travel delays | Use GPS estimates |
Always-Running-Late Rachel
It perfectly describes that person who’s perpetually in motion but never quite on time.
This nickname resonates because:
- It’s descriptively accurate
- Captures the constant rushing
- Has a rhythmic quality
“If Rachel says she’s ‘on her way,’ add 30 minutes to your wait time.” – Rachel’s Best Friend
Rachel’s Running Late Routine:
- Frantic text messages: Almost there!
- Multiple status updates
- Running while typing excuses
- Arriving out of breath
- Detailed explanation of the latest delay crisis
Procrastination Pro Percy
It is the master of delay, the champion of just five more minutes.
This nickname works brilliantly because:
- It acknowledges their expertise in procrastination
- Has a professional twist to a nonprofessional trait
- Creates ironic humor
Percy’s Procrastination Patterns:
- Waiting until the last possible moment
- Creating elaborate delay strategies
- Mastering the art of quick excuses
- Developing complex time-wasting techniques
- Perfecting the rushed entrance
Behind-Schedule Bob
It represents the perpetually delayed individual who can’t seem to align with any timetable.
This nickname is effective because:
- It’s straightforward and descriptive
- Uses alliteration for memorability
- Highlights the scheduling aspect of tardiness.
Activity | Time Lost Weekly | Annual Impact |
Work | 2.5 hours | 130 hours |
Social Events | 1.5 hours | 78 hours |
Appointments | 1.5 hours | 78 hours |
Exercise | 1.5 hours | 78 hours |
Always-on-Island-Time Irene
Always-on-Island-Time Irene perfectly captures that friend who operates on a perpetually relaxed schedule.
This nickname works because:
- References the laid-back island lifestyle
- Suggests a different time zone mentality
- Has a tropical, relaxed vibe
Irene’s Island Time Indicators:
- Casual approach to deadlines
- Relaxed attitude toward punctuality
- “No worries” response to time concerns
- Flexible interpretation of meeting times
- Belief that stresses about time is unnecessary
Latecomer Lenny
It rounds out our list as the classic example of someone who hasn’t been early since birth.
This nickname endures because:
- It’s straightforward and descriptive
- Has a friendly, approachable tone
- Works for any persistent tardiness situation
Tips for Dealing with a Latecomer Lenny:
- Set fake meeting times (30 minutes earlier)
- Build in buffer time for important events
- Have a backup plan ready
- Keep yourself entertained while waiting
- Practice patience and understanding
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you call a person who is always late?
A chronically tardy person or a slowpoke.
What does it mean when you are always late?
It indicates poor time management or a lack of respect for others’ time.
What does it say about someone who is always late?
It suggests they may be confused, inconsiderate or have difficulty with planning.
What do you say to someone who is always late?
Your tardiness affects others, and we need to discuss how to address this?
What does it mean when you are always late?
It shows a pattern of poor punctuality that may reflect underlying organizational or behavioral issues
Final Thought
Someone Who Is Always Late presents a complex intersection of personality, habits, and societal expectations. While some view chronic lateness as a simple behavioral issue, it often stems from deeper psychological patterns or cultural differences.
This habit can strain relationships, impact professional growth and create unnecessary stress for both the tardy individual and those waiting.
However, it’s important to recognize that firmly established isn’t always a sign of disrespect. It can be linked to optimistic time estimation or even anxiety. Understanding these underlying causes is crucial for addressing the behavior effectively.
Rather than merely criticizing, offering support and practical strategies for improvement can help transform this challenging trait. Through conscious effort and time management tools and accountability, anyone can develop better punctuality habits and demonstrate greater respect for themselves and others.