 To preserve the band's original name, Thomas needed a name starting with C, which is how she became "Chilli," a name chosen by Lopes.Watkins became T-Boz, derived from the first letter of her first name and "Boz" (slang for "boss").Lopes was renamed "Left Eye" after a compliment from New Edition member Michael Bivins who once told her he was attracted to her because of her left eye, which was more slanted than the right eye.