“Para tu!”
Minions · Despicable Me, 2010
This string of syllables represents the sound of kisses, the Minion way of making a kissing noise aimed at someone they adore. It is affectionate, over-the-top, and impossible to misread. The repetition gives it a comedic rhythm, turning a simple peck into a whole performance, which is very much in keeping with how the Minions express every emotion: loudly, physically, and without restraint.
Throughout the Despicable Me franchise, the Minions display a great deal of open affection toward Gru and toward one another. Expressions like this one show that their emotional vocabulary, even in gibberish, is wide and demonstrative. The kissing sound is a universal piece of body language, so when it is rendered as a spoken phrase it translates instantly across languages and ages. It is a small example of how the franchise communicates feeling without needing precise words.
The Minions are the beloved yellow characters from Illumination Entertainment's Despicable Me animated series. Since their introduction in 2010 they have become one of the most recognized ensembles in modern animation. Their appeal is rooted in physical comedy and an emotional directness that cuts through the language barrier their invented speech creates. Pierre Coffin, co-director of several films in the franchise, provides the voices for the Minion characters and has been central to developing their distinctive personality.
“Para tu!”
Minions · Despicable Me, 2010
“Kanpai!”
Minions · Minions franchise
“Underwear!”
Minion · Minions, 2015
“Gelato!”
Minions · Minions, 2015
“Papoy!”
Minions · Despicable Me, 2010
“Me want banana!”
Minion · Minions franchise
“Bello!”
Minions · Despicable Me, 2010
“Tulaliloo ti amo!”
Minions · Despicable Me, 2010
“Poopaye!”
Minions · Despicable Me, 2010
“Banana!”
Minions · Despicable Me, 2010
“The plum blooming in February isn't ahead of the cherry, and the cherry in April isn't behind.”
Original
“A flower does not think of competing with the flower next to it. It just blooms.”
Original