Is it Donnie or Donny?

[Warhorse]

It's one of those things I flip flop on because I have no idea what is the official way to spell Donatello's shorter name? How do you all spell it?

[OA]

Don-Knee is what I usually go with...

[snake]

Donnie in my opinion.

[Mzx10484]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donatello_%28Teenage_Mutant_Ninja_Turtles%29

[blindturtle02]

hehe Neat thread. I've always gone with the Y at the end. Maybe I ought to try flip flopping from time to time. Anyone know how Laird spells it? I like the IE approach too.

[sdp]

In the OT I don't think they ever shorten their names. In 2k3 it is canonically Donnie. And thinking about it I've never heard of "Donny" being used.

[evan2000]

This helps?

http://i.imgur.com/hrN9EBy.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/ZPQomFr.jpg

[Mzx10484]

^^ Yes. The case can be closed.

[Warhorse]

That's just the 2012 version, it's not the only one in existence people. Didn't the novels of the 1990 movie spell it Donny? What about 2k3?

[sdp]

I already mentioned for 2k3 its Donnie. And yeah different continuities can have a different spelling. Like Michaelangelo in the OT vs Michelangelo in every other continuity.

[Mzx10484]

It's Donnie everywhere.

[Gunpowder]

Yeah, the franchise itself has always spelled it "Donnie" so that's what I go with.

[Warhorse]

Yeah, the franchise itself has always spelled it "Donnie" so that's what I go with.

What about the 1990 movie via subtitles?

[BabyTurtles]

I like Donnie better XD cause my name is also spelled with an "ie" instead of "Y"

[Mzx10484]

What about the 1990 movie via subtitles?

Donnie . . . .

[Warhorse]

Donnie . . . .

That's funny, mine is Donny. Both the VHS and the DVD.

[Mzx10484]

Congrats ! You got it cracked.

[Whatswiththeheadbands?]

I've always spelled it Donnie.

[raph27]

Donnie for me.

[Donatello19]

"Donnie". Thats how they spell it in the Nick show and on all of the merchandise as well.

[ssjup81]

When I talk about the OT I use "Donny". For 2k12, Donnie.

[Rooish]

Image comics spelled it Donny. I believe Volume 4 did sometimes too--and sometimes Donnie. As far as I'm concerned you can spell it like you want. I personally like Donny better.

Or Don.

[BubblyShell22]

I use Donnie or Don sometimes when I'm writing my fan fics. I like that better than the other way.

[Candy Kappa]

it seems there has been some flip flopping through the years, but I'm pretty sure Viacom have made Donnie official canon

[THGhost]

It's "Donnie" in every single version. Why is this even being questioned?

[Rooish]

Because it's not.

[jignat]

Am I the only one who likes just "Don"?

[JonesyKitty]

According to the Rose City Comic Con TMNT Reunion panel I attended this sunday, Barry Gordon always prefered Sir Don :tlol:

[Xiewin]

According to the Rose City Comic Con TMNT Reunion panel I attended this sunday, Barry Gordon always prefered Sir Don :tlol:

Well that made my day :lol:

[Netkeeper]

Am I the only one who likes just "Don"?
I like just "Don" too, but only for Mirage and 2k3 Don, because it feels more mature. Otherwise, I use "Donnie" just because that spelling looks cuter; the shorted version of my own name is also spelt with an 'ie' instead of a 'y' for the same reason.

Though, I do like the "Donny" spelling when Raphael is saying his name in dialogue. I have no idea why, but the 'y' feels more like Raph's accent, even though they are actually pronounced exactly the same way. [Also, on a similar note, I just want to headcanon that Raph spells Don's name with a Y and it mildly annoys Don when he does that.]

[Ninjinister]

I'd never seen anyone spell it "ie", or at least that I could remember, until I got the internet. Then it felt like I was the only one that ever spelled it with a "y".

[Turo602]

It's just Don now, okay?

[Rooish]

I'd prefer that too. Don't know why Don and Mike need to be infantalized.

[Netkeeper]

"Infantalized"? Dude, they refer to themselves as Donnie and Mikey.

There are legit complaints about things and then there's statements like that. Jesus Chris.

[Powder]

"Infantalized"? Dude, they refer to themselves as Donnie and Mikey.

There are legit complaints about things and then there's statements like that. Jesus Chris.

You realize they're not real, right? Human beings write their dialogue.

& who is Jesus Chris? This guy?

http://i61.tinypic.com/2u60mmv.jpg

It's "Donnie" in every single version. Why is this even being questioned?

Wrong. If you're gonna act like a know-it-all, at least, ya know, know it all.

[Shiro Kame]

I usually see people and subtitles spell it as Donnie.

[Mzx10484]

& who is Jesus Chris? This guy?

http://i61.tinypic.com/2u60mmv.jpg



No. This guy:

http://i1276.photobucket.com/albums/y468/mzx10484/dave-david-gilmour-25948692-382-500_zps1d3c48bd.jpg (http://s1276.photobucket.com/user/mzx10484/media/dave-david-gilmour-25948692-382-500_zps1d3c48bd.jpg.html)

[Coola Yagami]

It's just Don now, okay?

*makes a face* ...Don?

[THGhost]

Wrong. If you're gonna act like a know-it-all, at least, ya know, know it all.

Oooh that sass! http://www.picgifs.com/smileys/smileys-and-emoticons/dancing/smileys-dancing-554997.gif

http://media.tumblr.com/2ddda8bdcbdaafba4b6ef1d29bb4c4ed/tumblr_inline_na7ckoajWs1r0rcjn.jpg

Even Google says it's "Donnie" :P

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y18/THGhost/Untitled-2.jpg

Is there any version where it isn't Don or Donnie? Cos I'd love to know.

[Netkeeper]

You realize they're not real, right? Human beings write their dialogue.
You do realise that regardless, it's incredibly silly to complain about nicknames ending in an "ee" sound? The human beings writing their dialogue aren't demeaning or "infantalising" them by using those names. They're just shortening them because dialogue can come across as awkward or unnatural when a four or five syllable name is used every single time. Two syllable names roll off the tongue better, and monosyllabic names can feel too short.

My name's Maximillion, I think I know what I'm talking about.

[THGhost]

You do realise that regardless, it's incredibly silly to complain about nicknames ending in an "ee" sound? The human beings writing their dialogue aren't demeaning or "infantalising" them by using those names. They're just shortening them because dialogue can come across as awkward or unnatural when a four or five syllable name is used every single time. Two syllable names roll off the tongue better, and monosyllabic names can feel too short.

My name's Maximillion, I think I know what I'm talking about.

This whole thread is rather silly to be honest. Regardless of spelling the short, two syllable version of Donatello's name is still pronounced the same way. Nobody can say that that is wrong.

[Powder]

Is there any version where it isn't Don or Donnie? Cos I'd love to know.

Try reading the posts that follow yours, you'll get your answer.

You do realise that regardless, it's incredibly silly to complain about nicknames ending in an "ee" sound? The human beings writing their dialogue aren't demeaning or "infantalising" them by using those names.

That is your opinion.

[Netkeeper]

No, I'm reasonably sure no writer says "hey! that name is SO demeaning! LET'S USE IT!"

[THGhost]

Try reading the posts that follow yours, you'll get your answer.

I will, when someone posts something. ;)

[Powder]

No, I'm reasonably sure no writer says "hey! that name is SO demeaning! LET'S USE IT!"

It's not a matter of the writer's intention. I don't care about it, personally. Just saying.

I will, when someone posts something. ;)

You asked if it was ever something else & the answer was there the whole time. ;)

Image comics spelled it Donny. I believe Volume 4 did sometimes too--and sometimes Donnie. As far as I'm concerned you can spell it like you want. I personally like Donny better.

Or Don.

[THGhost]

You asked if it was ever something else & the answer was there the whole time. ;)

Image comics spelled it Donny. I believe Volume 4 did sometimes too--and sometimes Donnie. As far as I'm concerned you can spell it like you want. I personally like Donny better.

Or Don.

That's all well and good. But we're interested in the TV canon only.

[Powder]

That's all well and good. But we're interested in the TV canon only.

Oh? Really? 'Cause I sure as hell don't see that in the opening post. You said it was every single version, you were wrong. Accept that & move on. Don't backpedal.

Also, if you wanna talk sh*t about me to your buddies, do it in PM's instead of on their profiles.

Then what's your point? If the writer didn't intend to use it with the purpose of "infantilising" the character, then the name isn't like that at all?

If intent meant anything there wouldn't be SJW's.

[Netkeeper]

It's not a matter of the writer's intention. I don't care about it, personally. Just saying.
Then what's your point? If the writer didn't intend to use it with the purpose of "infantilising" the character, then the name isn't like that at all?

[THGhost]

Oh? Really? 'Cause I sure as hell don't see that in the opening post. You said it was every single version, you were wrong. Accept that & move on. Don't backpedal.

Never said that. Said "we're". Netkeeper and myself are inquiring about the TV shows.

Also, if you wanna talk sh*t about me to your buddies, do it in PM's instead of on their profiles.

Oh we wanted you to see it. :lol: Stay on-topic.

Then what's your point? If the writer didn't intend to use it with the purpose of "infantilising" the character, then the name isn't like that at all?

We're clearly wasting our time here. :P

To be fair, your sass is no more annoying than Cybercubed's. So it doesn't really matter.

[Netkeeper]

To be fair, your sass is no more annoying than Cybercubed's. So it doesn't really matter.
Powder/CyberCubed is my new OTP now. Thanks.

[THGhost]

Powder/CyberCubed is my new OTP now. Thanks.

You're welcome. I'm sure there are others though. And Cubed is a good guy, as I'm sure Powder is in real life. So no real offence to either of them.

I'll just take my spelling of Donatello and go, like it even matters though. Just use whatever spelling you want, none of them are wrong since they're all pronounced the same way.

[Coola Yagami]

OTP? Wazzat?

[Powder]

Obviously terrific posters.

[Coola Yagami]

Obviously terrific posters.

Lmao. I'll take that.

[ssjup81]

OTP? Wazzat?I like that too. lol

In net speak though it means One True Pair.

[Gunpowder]

Damn, Powder. Practically every post I see from you (on any thread) always has that sarcastic/condescending vibe to it. (Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining. I love that. :lol:)

[Klunk1234]

hehe Neat thread. I've always gone with the Y at the end. Maybe I ought to try flip flopping from time to time. Anyone know how Laird spells it? I like the IE approach too.


I wrote to Peter Laird on his blog about the spelling of Donatello's nickname. He told me that Donny or Donnie are correct.:tsmile:

[Rooish]

It's "Donnie" in every single version. Why is this even being questioned?

You totally never said a thing about TV canon in this post. You said every single version.

"Infantalized"? Dude, they refer to themselves as Donnie and Mikey.

There are legit complaints about things and then there's statements like that. Jesus Chris.

Wow that provoked a strong reaction. Okay maybe "infantalized" is a strong word, but we don't call Raph "Raphie." (Except for a few fan girls and Mikey when he's teasing Raph in 2003 show). What's your nickname anyway--Max? Maxie?

Where did this shift from Don and Mike (from the comics) to Donnie and Mikey come from? The two syllable nicknames first showed up in the 1990 movie, as far as I can tell, but throughout the comics Don and Mike stayed the primary names. Donnie and Mikey as names are less consequential, and this is a deliberate choice on the writers' part because they should know full well that the source material calls them Don and Mike. The name shift doesn't seem to have affected Don that much until the Nick cartoon where he is a complete spaz as well as a lovesick puppy, but I think it rapidly contributed to the flanderizing of Mikey, making him more and more silly and cute. Just my opinion. I call them Donnie/Donny and Mikey sometimes, but I still prefer them to be on equal footing with Leo and Raph, and not to have supercute names.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donatel...nja_Turtles%29

Wow. You cited Wikipedia as some official source? You know that page was written by fans right? Like probably by people on this board? Hell I wrote like a third of that page.

[THGhost]

OTP = One True Pairing, I believe. :P

You totally never said a thing about TV canon in this post. You said every single version.

Every single TV version is what I meant, sorry about that. They're more popular than the comics. I do read them though. :)

[pannoni1]

A better search of this forum shows around a 2 to 1 ratio in favor of Donnie. Nickelodeon officially uses Donnie, and the only Donny uses are found on the message board by non-Nick employees. That said, on Peter Laird's blog, both "Donnie" and "Donny" are used, but "Donny" tends to be used more around a 3 to 1 ratio. Kevin Eastman tends to prefer just "Don". I myself prefrred "Don" as Donatello's Nickname since that's what the 8-bit/16-bit video games used. I feel that it depends on the universe that's being presented in terms of what's official. I'd say Don for the vintage era, Donny for 4kids, and Donnie for the Nick era.

[CharmedSerenity]

Well, I use Donnie for the both the 2k3 and Nick versions.

[JonesyKitty]

Well that made my day :lol:

I got a video of Rob and Barry conversing about the differences of the 2 different versions of Don, I just don't know how to post it. But it was really amusing to hear that as well as Nick Don and April having interspeciea children if enough achohol is involved haha.

[Netkeeper]

Wow that provoked a strong reaction. Okay maybe "infantalized" is a strong word, but we don't call Raph "Raphie." (Except for a few fan girls and Mikey when he's teasing Raph in 2003 show). What's your nickname anyway--Max? Maxie?

Where did this shift from Don and Mike (from the comics) to Donnie and Mikey come from? The two syllable nicknames first showed up in the 1990 movie, as far as I can tell, but throughout the comics Don and Mike stayed the primary names. Donnie and Mikey as names are less consequential, and this is a deliberate choice on the writers' part because they should know full well that the source material calls them Don and Mike. The name shift doesn't seem to have affected Don that much until the Nick cartoon where he is a complete spaz as well as a lovesick puppy, but I think it rapidly contributed to the flanderizing of Mikey, making him more and more silly and cute. Just my opinion. I call them Donnie/Donny and Mikey sometimes, but I still prefer them to be on equal footing with Leo and Raph, and not to have supercute names.
There were more instances of Raph being called Raphie than you think. I know Donnie did it too. Also, yes, I usually choose to shorten my name to Maxie as opposed to Max -- monosyllabic names feel too short in most conversation so I tend not to like it. Only my brothers call me Max :lol:

As I mentioned earlier, from a writer's perspective, I feel Donnie and Mikey probably make dialogue lines flow better, which might be why they got used in the movies, 2k3, and 2k12. Using the whole name feels formal [which is why Splinter uses them], and using the monosyllabic Don and Mike is something I feel should be done sparingly in dialogue because the name goes by so fast. But in the comics, using Don and Mike would be preferred, since they take up less space on the page.

Leo didn't have this problem because Leo has two syllables. Raph usually gets stuck with the monosyllabic name, probably for in-character reasons, but Raphael is a shorter name than the others as well.

I can't be sure the choice of name has to do with the number of syllables and applying them to dialogue since the 87 cartoon didn't do this, but because the 87 cartoon didn't do this, I don't think it was to make Don and Mike "cuter". The 87 cartoon made everyone cuter, and if those names were applied just for that purpose, they definitely would have gone for that. If anything, it does feel rather "teenage", giving them shortened names like Mikey and Donnie. [Not sure why them being "cutesy" is a problem, though. The TMNT are cute. I say let them have cute names. As a kid I used to think "Leo" was the most adorable nickname for Leonardo, myself.]

[THGhost]

Mikey being called "Mike" in the original comics just looks wrong to me, especially after watching the cartoons growing up. :P

[Netkeeper]

They called him Mike from time to time in 2k3.

[THGhost]

They called him Mike from time to time in 2k3.

When will it end? So it's not just Donatello. It's Michelangelo and sometimes Raphael apparently. What other ways are there to spell the short version of Leonardo's name then? :P

[Candy Kappa]

When will it end? So it's not just Donatello. It's Michelangelo and sometimes Raphael apparently. What other ways are there to spell the short version of Leonardo's name then? :P

I have seen Leonardo been named Leon a couple of times. *shudder*

[THGhost]

I have seen Leonardo been named Leon a couple of times. *shudder*

You have got to be joking. Ugh, that's horrible. :lol:

[BubblyShell22]

No joke. I've seen it, too, and I agree it sucks. I totally like Leo better.

[Davetello]

"Leon" reminds me of that great film where Jean Reno basically kills everyone.

What's worse? Leon or Leonard? Michael or Michael Angelo? Ralph? Donald?

[Netkeeper]

HAHAHA NO STOP THEY'RE ALL SO NERDY

Universe where the turtles are humans that LARP as their ninja turtle characters. Their names are Leonard, Ralph, Donald and Michael OH GOD THIS IS SO HORRIFIC CAN SOMEONE WRITE SELF-PARODYING FANFICTION ABOUT THIS PLEASE

[ssjup81]

There were more instances of Raph being called Raphie than you think. I know Donnie did it too. Also, yes, I usually choose to shorten my name to Maxie as opposed to Max -- monosyllabic names feel too short in most conversation so I tend not to like it. Only my brothers call me Max :lol:

As I mentioned earlier, from a writer's perspective, I feel Donnie and Mikey probably make dialogue lines flow better, which might be why they got used in the movies, 2k3, and 2k12. Using the whole name feels formal [which is why Splinter uses them], and using the monosyllabic Don and Mike is something I feel should be done sparingly in dialogue because the name goes by so fast. But in the comics, using Don and Mike would be preferred, since they take up less space on the page.

Leo didn't have this problem because Leo has two syllables. Raph usually gets stuck with the monosyllabic name, probably for in-character reasons, but Raphael is a shorter name than the others as well.

I can't be sure the choice of name has to do with the number of syllables and applying them to dialogue since the 87 cartoon didn't do this, but because the 87 cartoon didn't do this, I don't think it was to make Don and Mike "cuter". The 87 cartoon made everyone cuter, and if those names were applied just for that purpose, they definitely would have gone for that. If anything, it does feel rather "teenage", giving them shortened names like Mikey and Donnie. [Not sure why them being "cutesy" is a problem, though. The TMNT are cute. I say let them have cute names. As a kid I used to think "Leo" was the most adorable nickname for Leonardo, myself.]Hm, in the Usagi Yojimbo ep in the OT, Donatello used "Mikey" with Michelangelo. Thought it was interesting since at the time, I'd only heard the nicknames in the movies, and I also think that's the only time a Nick was used in the OT.HAHAHA NO STOP THEY'RE ALL SO NERDY

Universe where the turtles are humans that LARP as their ninja turtle characters. Their names are Leonard, Ralph, Donald and Michael OH GOD THIS IS SO HORRIFIC CAN SOMEONE WRITE SELF-PARODYING FANFICTION ABOUT THIS PLEASEI so would read that. Parodies are always entertaining. :tlol:

[THGhost]

HAHAHA NO STOP THEY'RE ALL SO NERDY

Universe where the turtles are humans that LARP as their ninja turtle characters. Their names are Leonard, Ralph, Donald and Michael OH GOD THIS IS SO HORRIFIC CAN SOMEONE WRITE SELF-PARODYING FANFICTION ABOUT THIS PLEASE

I would happily read that too and also bust a gut laughing at it. :lol:

[Necrotique]

I always thought it was Donnie personally.