The Simple Answer and the Complex Reality

So, you’re wondering, what does Bakugou call Kiri? At first glance, the answer seems quite straightforward. Primarily, Katsuki Bakugou calls Eijiro Kirishima by his last name, “Kirishima.” However, anyone familiar with the explosive dynamics of My Hero Academia knows that with Bakugou, nothing is ever that simple. The way he addresses Kirishima is actually a fascinating window into his complex character and the unique, unparalleled bond the two share. While he frequently uses “Kirishima,” he is also famous for the seemingly derogatory nickname “Shitty Hair.”

This article will delve deep into the nuances of how Bakugou addresses his closest friend. We’ll explore why using a proper last name is, for Bakugou, a profound sign of respect, dissect the affectionate undertones of a crude nickname, and compare it to how he treats everyone else in Class 1-A. Ultimately, what Bakugou calls Kirishima is more than just a name; it’s a language of respect, familiarity, and equality that defines one of the most beloved relationships in the series.

The Power of a Name: Why “Kirishima” is So Significant

In most social contexts, addressing someone by their last name is standard formal practice, especially in Japan. But for Katsuki Bakugou, “standard” is an alien concept. His communication style is built on aggressive, demeaning, and often creatively insulting nicknames. He rarely affords anyone the basic courtesy of using their actual name. This is precisely why his consistent use of “Kirishima” is so incredibly telling.

Think about it. Bakugou has a nickname for almost everyone he deems beneath him, which, in his mind, is nearly everyone.

  • Izuku Midoriya: “Deku” (a name originally meaning “useless”).
  • Shoto Todoroki: “Icy-Hot” or “Half-and-Half Bastard.”
  • Tenya Iida: “Four-Eyes.”
  • Ochaco Uraraka: “Round Face.”
  • Denki Kaminari: “Dunce Face.”
  • Mina Ashido: “Racoon Eyes.”

These names are meant to belittle, to reduce a person to a single physical trait or perceived weakness. They are tools Bakugou uses to maintain a psychological distance and assert his dominance. He is effectively saying, “You are not important enough for me to remember or use your real name.”

So, when he looks at the redhead beside him and calls him “Kirishima,” it’s a conscious choice. It’s an acknowledgment. By using his proper surname, Bakugou is placing Kirishima on a different level from the other “extras” in his life. He is tacitly admitting that Kirishima has earned a measure of his respect, a commodity Bakugou hoards more than a dragon hoards gold. This isn’t just politeness; from Bakugou, it’s a high honor. It signifies that he sees Kirishima not as a sidekick or a follower, but as a peer and a capable individual in his own right.

Decoding “Shitty Hair”: More Than Just an Insult?

Of course, we can’t talk about what Bakugou calls Kiri without addressing the elephant in the room: “Shitty Hair” (or “Weird Hair” in some translations). On the surface, it fits perfectly into Bakugou’s established pattern of insulting nicknames. It’s crude, dismissive, and based entirely on Kirishima’s spiky, bright red hairstyle. In the early days of their acquaintance, it was likely meant as just another casual insult.

However, as their relationship deepens, the context and tone behind “Shitty Hair” evolve dramatically. It sheds its malicious edge and transforms into something else entirely—a term of rough, uniquely Bakugou-esque affection.

The Evolution of an Insult

The key to understanding “Shitty Hair” is to observe when and how Bakugou uses it.

  1. Initial Annoyance: At the start, it’s used interchangeably with other insults, a way to brush Kirishima off.
  2. Familiar Banter: It quickly becomes his go-to name for Kirishima in casual settings. When they’re studying, walking to class, or just hanging out, “Oi, Shitty Hair” is Bakugou’s version of “Hey, man.” It signals a level of comfort and familiarity he shows to no one else.
  3. A Battle Cry: During intense fights, like their battle against Rappa of the Shie Hassaikai, Bakugou might yell “Shitty Hair!” It’s not to demean him but to communicate, to coordinate. In these high-stakes moments, it functions as a familiar callsign, a shorthand between two partners who understand each other implicitly.

Crucially, Kirishima’s reaction is what gives the name its true meaning. He never gets genuinely offended. He might retort with a grin, “It’s not that different from yours!” but he accepts it as part of how Bakugou communicates. Kirishima has the emotional intelligence to see past the abrasive exterior and understand the intent. He knows that from Bakugou, this crude nickname is a sign of inclusion. It’s proof that he has broken through Bakugou’s walls and entered a very exclusive inner circle of one.

A Note on “Deku” vs. “Shitty Hair”: It’s important to contrast “Shitty Hair” with “Deku.” The name “Deku” is steeped in a long, painful history of bullying. It was designed to crush Midoriya’s spirit. “Shitty Hair,” on the other hand, lacks that venomous history. It’s a surface-level jab that becomes a marker of their specific, friendly dynamic. One is a weapon; the other becomes a password.

A League of Nicknames: Putting Bakugou’s Naming System in Context

To truly appreciate the special status Kirishima holds, it helps to see Bakugou’s naming conventions laid out. His approach is surprisingly consistent and reveals a clear hierarchy in his mind. The table below illustrates this unique social taxonomy.

Character Primary Name(s) Used by Bakugou Implied Meaning & Relationship Status
Eijiro Kirishima Kirishima, Shitty Hair A Dual-Status of Respect & Familiarity. He is an acknowledged equal (“Kirishima”) and a close friend (“Shitty Hair”). This combination is unique to him.
Izuku Midoriya Deku Deep-seated Rivalry & History. A name meant to signify “uselessness,” it carries the weight of their entire childhood. Even as respect grows, the name remains a symbol of their complex, antagonistic bond.
Shoto Todoroki Icy-Hot, Half-and-Half Bastard Pure Rivalry. The nickname is based entirely on his Quirk and lineage, reducing him to his power. It’s a name for a competitor, not a person.
Katsuki’s Parents Old Hag, Old Man Crude Familial Intimacy. While insulting, these names reflect a deeply ingrained (and loud) family dynamic. It’s his version of familial affection.
All Might All Might Pure Reverence. All Might is the one person Bakugou consistently addresses with his proper hero name, showcasing his unwavering admiration and respect for the Symbol of Peace.
Most Other Classmates
(e.g., Iida, Uraraka, Yaoyorozu)
Four-Eyes, Round Face, Ponytail Dismissive & Impersonal. He reduces them to a single, obvious feature. They are “extras” not worthy of the effort of learning their names.

As the table clearly shows, Kirishima is the anomaly. He is the only peer who regularly receives both a respectful address (“Kirishima”) and a familiar, albeit crude, nickname (“Shitty Hair”). This dual approach perfectly encapsulates their relationship: one built on a foundation of mutual respect as heroes-in-training, but layered with an incredibly close, informal friendship that allows for such casual teasing.

The “Equal”: Why Bakugou Sees Kirishima Differently

So, the ultimate question is why. Why does Kirishima get this special treatment? The answer lies in the core of both of their characters. Bakugou, for all his arrogance, craves a rival who can stand on his level—an equal. Kirishima is the first person who manages to become that for him in a way that isn’t antagonistic.

The Hand at Kamino

The most definitive moment that showcases this dynamic is the rescue mission at Kamino Ward. When the “Bakugou Rescue Squad” arrives, Deku comes up with the plan, but he knows he can’t be the one to execute it. Bakugou would never accept help from someone he perceives as looking down on him with pity.

Kirishima is the one chosen to call out and extend a hand. As he yells, “Come on!”, Bakugou sees the outstretched hand of someone he considers his equal. Taking that hand isn’t an act of accepting charity; it’s an act of accepting help from a trusted ally. It’s a strategic move between two partners. In that moment, Kirishima proved he understood Bakugou’s pride better than anyone else. He didn’t try to “save” him in a way that would wound his ego; he offered a path to victory that they could take together.

A Foundation of Shared Values

Their bond is further cemented by their surprisingly compatible personalities and values.

  • Unwavering Determination: Both characters are incredibly driven. Bakugou wants to be the #1 Hero, and Kirishima strives to be a “manly,” chivalrous hero who never falters. They both respect the hard work and fighting spirit in each other.
  • Straightforwardness: Kirishima is one of the few people who isn’t intimidated by Bakugou. He approaches him with honesty and sincerity, not fear or pity. This directness is something Bakugou can understand and respect.
  • Mutual Support: From Kirishima being the only one to get Bakugou to study for exams to Bakugou giving Kirishima money to buy night-vision goggles without a second thought, their support is practical and unconditional. When Kirishima was mentally crushed after his encounter with Gigantomachia, it was Bakugou who snapped him out of it with a sharp, “Stand up,” reminding him of his own strength.

Because Kirishima has proven himself to be steadfast, reliable, and understanding, he has earned the right to be called “Kirishima.” And because he has also proven to be a close, non-judgmental friend who can take a joke, he has earned the right to be called “Shitty Hair.”

From Canon to Fandom: “KiriBaku” and the Interpretation of a Name

It would be remiss to discuss what Bakugou calls Kirishima without acknowledging the massive impact this has had on the My Hero Academia fandom. The relationship between the two, often dubbed “KiriBaku,” is one of the most popular ships in the entire fanbase, and their naming convention is a cornerstone of this interpretation.

For many fans, the analysis goes even deeper. “Shitty Hair” is widely interpreted not just as a sign of friendship, but as a genuine term of endearment, a pet name reserved for someone incredibly special. The shift in vocal tone from the Japanese voice actor, Nobuhiko Okamoto, is often scrutinized, with fans noting a softer, less aggressive edge when Bakugou says Kirishima’s name or nickname compared to how he addresses others.

Within fanfiction and fan art, the use of “Kirishima,” “Shitty Hair,” and even the rare, fan-imagined use of “Eijiro” are used to signify different stages of their relationship, from burgeoning respect to deep romantic love. While the canonical evidence points firmly to a powerful platonic bond—a true “bromance”—the richness of their interactions provides fertile ground for fan interpretation. The ambiguity and depth are what make their dynamic so compelling and beloved, and the way Bakugou calls him is at the very heart of that appeal.

Conclusion: A Name That Speaks Volumes

So, to return to our original question: What does Bakugou call Kiri? He calls him “Kirishima,” a name signifying respect and equality. He calls him “Shitty Hair,” a nickname that, against all odds, signifies familiarity, comfort, and an unbreakable friendly bond.

The duality of these names is a perfect reflection of their relationship. Bakugou’s vocabulary is limited when it comes to positive emotions, so he communicates through his own unique, aggressive language. Kirishima is one of the very few people fluent in it. He understands that coming from Bakugou, being called by his proper name is a compliment of the highest order, and being called “Shitty Hair” is a privilege. In the world of My Hero Academia, where actions and words carry immense weight, what Bakugou chooses to call Kirishima tells us everything we need to know about his most important relationship. It’s a testament to a friendship forged in fire, respect, and a whole lot of spiky hair.

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