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Discover why Midoriya’s hero name is “Deku” in My Hero Academia. Explore the meaning and significance of the name.
My Hero Academia features a plethora of compelling characters, each of whom has intricate stories and development. Among them, the protagonist Izuku Midoriya is a highlight, growing from a weak, Quirkless individual to a hero who saves the entire world. There are several facets to Midoriya’s character, ranging from his diverse powers, connection to All Might, and growth as a person.
One equally interesting feature of Midoriya is his hero name, “Deku”. While other characters have more traditional hero names such as Endeavor, Uravity, and Hawks, “Deku” doesn’t seem to have any obvious connection to Midoriya at first glance. However, we soon find that the name has a very interesting lore of its own and holds a lot of relevance in Midoriya’s journey. So, why is Midoriya’s hero name “Deku” in My Hero Academia?
Midoriya had originally received the name “Deku” as an insult from Bakugo but began wearing it as a badge of honor when Uraraka discovered another meaning for it. Let us take a closer look at this.
How Did Midoriya Get the Name Deku in My Hero Academia?
“Deku” stems from the complex relationship between Bakugo and Midoriya. Bakugo had already faced an inferiority complex against Midoriya, who was the personification of kindness and selflessness. His pride couldn’t comprehend the protagonist’s personality, and he belittled him at every possible opportunity.
Due to this, the deuteragonist gave Midoriya the nickname “Deku”. While “Deku” itself doesn’t mean anything, it is a short form of “dekunobou”. This refers to puppets or wooden dolls in Japanese. However, rather than calling him a doll, the word “Deku” has a more degrading meaning to it.
The other definition of “Deku” is a “person without use” or who is “good for nothing”. Hence, every time Bakugo called Midoriya “Deku”, he was referring to him as a useless or powerless person. Midoriya never challenged Bakugo for a long time and got used to the name, but it still affected his mindset.
The Multiple Meanings of Deku
While we have seen the meaning of “Deku” and how it was meant to insult Midoriya for not having a Quirk, there is a more positive connotation to this word. Soon after joining U.A. High School, Midoriya struck a close friendship with Uraraka.
When she heard about Bakugo’s nickname for Midoriya, she offered her own take on it. This showed how “Deku” can stand for “dekiru”, which can refer to the ability to do something or simply “you can do it.”
This reinterpretation of the word gave Midoriya more confidence, making him believe that he could achieve his goals. It also held special meaning since his friend Uraraka had pointed it out. Hence, with renewed confidence, he chose his hero name to be “Deku.”
Does Bakugo Ever Call Midoriya by His Real Name?
Bakugo’s relationship with Midoriya has significantly evolved throughout the series. Initially berating him at every possible instance, he gradually comes to acknowledge his bullying of Midoriya before trying to make amends.
The first time Midoriya openly fought against Bakugo’s meaning of “Deku” was during the Battle Trial Arc, expressing how he was no longer useless but a man who would never give up. While this didn’t fix the issues between the two, it started the path towards a more positive relationship. When Bakugo realized Midoriya’s burden in carrying One For All, he slowly but surely became a more empathetic person.
Not counting their childhood days when Bakugo called Midoriya by his name, he began using “Izuku” during the Dark Hero Arc. Trying to stop Midoriya’s vigilante rampage and bring him home, Bakugo shared his insecurities and poured his heart out.
While apologizing for his impact on Midoriya, Bakugo expressed how they could only win by working together. This acceptance by his friend, who began using his name again, allowed Midoriya to finally rest before reuniting with his allies.
The Significance of Deku in My Hero Academia
“Deku” is much more than just a name in My Hero Academia. It is a symbol of Midoriya’s personal growth and represents the themes of resilience, redemption, and the power of perspective. Despite the name not being a heavy topic of discussion for the majority of the series, it was always present, underscoring the relationship between Midoriya and Bakugo.
However, with the help of his classmate, Midoriya found a better meaning to this and began living his life along its lines. He pushed himself to the limits to prove that his version of “Deku” was superior to what Bakugo had laid out. Finally, when Bakugo admitted his faults and restored his relationship with Midoriya, it was a poignant scene showing how the protagonist had outrun the tag of being useless.
By the end, the name “Deku” becomes a beacon of hope, not just for himself but for everyone he fights to protect.
Conclusion
The hero name “Deku” is a cornerstone of Midoriya’s identity in My Hero Academia. It highlights the subtle, yet impactful development Horikoshi gave his main character, commenting on his dynamic with Bakugo. By transcending the origins of the word and adopting it as a pin of his pride, Midoriya embodies the ideals that every hero should strive for.
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