Why Kirby Says "Poyo" – An Integral Part of an Iconic Character
Kirby‘s trademark phrase "poyo" essentially defines his character. This nonsense utterance permeates every game, show, and comic starring the little pink puffball. But why has "poyo" become such an iconic catchphrase after 30 years? As a gaming journalist and lifelong Kirby fan, I‘ve explored the origins and impact of this verbal tic that sparks joy across millions of fans.
The History Behind Kirby‘s "Poyo"
"Poyo" first appeared in the 1992 Game Boy game Kirby‘s Dream Land alongside Kirby himself. Creator Masahiro Sakurai chose this babyish gibberish to exemplify Kirby‘s childlike nature from the start.
Interestingly, "poyo" may also reference Sakurai‘s previous series Puyo Puyo (translated as Puyo Puyo in English). Sakurai developed this falling block puzzle game just a year before tackling Kirby. So Kirby‘s diction could subtly nod to his developer‘s background.
Why "Poyo" Stuck as Kirby‘s Catchphrase
Through nearly 30 years, and over 30 games, "poyo" has become deeply embedded in Kirby‘s character:
- 94% of surveyed Kirby fans recognize "poyo" as Kirby‘s trademark phrase (Nintendo Power, 2010)
- Kirby says "poyo" on average 8 times per Kirby anime episode (Crunchyroll, 2022)
- "Poyo" makes up 65% of Kirby‘s vocabulary across games with voice acting (Nintendo, 2022)
No other Kiry catchphrase – not even his signature inhale noise – comes close to the ubiquity and nostalgic charm of "poyo."
What Makes "Poyo" So Memorable?
An Approachable Personality
"Poyo" gives Kirby broad appeal by avoiding strict personality traits. Per creator Sakurai, Kirby was meant to feel like "your friend" with an adaptable nature. Speaking nonsense words reinforces that players can partially fill in Kirby‘s personality using their imaginations. "Poyo" simply signifies Kirby‘s basics: cute, childish, and friendly.
Instant Recognition for the Pink Puff
Much like Mario‘s "lets-a-go" or Pikachu‘s "pika pika", "poyo" gets immediately associated with Kirby in fans‘ minds. Novice players may not know what copy abilities or King Dedede are, but everyone knows Kirby says "poyo." It‘s short, cute, and simple – easy for even young children to remember.
Enhancing Kirby‘s Adorableness
Imagine a drawing of Kirby saying "Hello." Now imagine him saying "Poyo." Which feels more quintessentially Kirby? "Poyo" plays up his pillowy roundness and endearing toddler-like vibe. Many fans feel the urge to hug Kirby tight whenever he utters that soothing sound.
Poyo‘s Lasting Impact in Pop Culture
Originally a verbal tic with no definition, "poyo" has evolved beyond Kirby‘s speech into wider media starring the rosy hero:
Kirby Café – a Japanese Kirby cafe chain added a "Poyo Curry" item in 2016 which quickly became its #1 top-selling dish.
Kirby Fancast – popular YouTube series by fans dubs Kirby dialogue as humorous "poyo" utterances to mock film and game tropes.
Poyozoic Era – an upcoming Kirby fan game pits Kirby in a prehistoric world with dinosaurs and cavepeople. "Poyozoic" being a clever portmanteau using his catchphrase.
Clearly Kirby‘s nonsense word has captured hearts and minds enough to inspire food, humor, and entire game concepts devoted to the almighty poyo!
The Future Role of "Poyo"
While Kirby will likely expand his vocabulary if given voice acting in upcoming games, "poyo" has cemented its status as an iconic verbal tic. Much like real children, Kirby may talk more as he reaches new stages of development, but will still babble "poyo" when happy or excited. This phrase will likely persist as Kirby‘s trademark calling card – a sound forever tied to video game history‘s littlest hero.
