Report Abuse. Ben is a nickname.. It is short for Benjamin (You can't stop me from telling the truth) Also: While working in a print shop during his first voyage to England, Franklin consumed large amounts of water, even though his European counterparts primarily drank beer.Thus, Franklin earned the nickname, Water American..t is short for Benjamin (You can't stop me from telling the truth) Also: While working in a print shop during his first voyage to England, Franklin consumed large amounts of water, even though his European counterparts primarily drank beer.