I like to imagine that there is a rendition of each turtle’s name that is absolutely forbidden. It’s the name their brothers use when the other three really want to get under said turtle’s shell — which obviously means you’re going to use it as much as possible for the same reason.
Leonardo
Leonard
It’s an instant mood killer for Leonardo. Not enough to genuinely upset him but don’t expect him not to gag on impulse. The first time you call him Leonard, his instinctual response is to look you dead in the eyes and say “No.” in the most flat voice imaginable.
Leo’s ‘no-go’ name is used the most, mainly because he’s the leader and his brothers will do anything to get a barb in when they’re given an order they do not agree with. Donnie once tried to make light of it by attributing the nickname to Spock — aka Leonard Nimoy…it helped but Leonardo still dislikes it
Due to Leonard’s consistent usage, the impact isn’t as vomit-inducing whenever you do choose to pull it out.
Just know that it he abhorres it. Even when you say it in a honey-soaked voice, he’d much rather hear his given name on your tongue.
Donatello
Donald.
This name is the equivalent of a curse word. Especially if you take it a step forward and call him ‘Donald Duck’. The name gives elderly man on his sixth cigar in an invitation only country club, and Donnie cannot handle it. His name is used sparingly unless the culprit wants their phone blocked off the wifi.
The first time you call him it? Donatello freezes mid-frame, shoulders pitched up to his bandanna as his teeth actually grind together from cringe. You swear they whistle from how sharp he exhales.
Sweetheart — you can call Donnie every nickname in the book except for that one. He’ll take them all, even the more “creative” insults you think up in an argument. The first time ends with a gentle chide and a kiss on the cheek. The second offense similar but with a more firm reminder. The third? He knows what you’re doing and trust, this is not the kind of thing that falls into his ‘cute but mean’ type.
Donatello is, if anything, a turtle devoted to the art of sweet sweet revenge. Be warned.
Raphael
Ranaldo
Fuck Mikey for even making this a thing. Raph lasted nearly his entire childhood without any instant ‘icks’ because out of his brothers, his name is the most ‘normal’. He still doesn’t know what the fuck that means. The fact that you agree but can’t elaborate makes him even more confused.
Raph will begrudgingly tolerate any rendition of his name. Raphie. Raph. Phael. Raphala.
You can call him Shnookums (in private) and he won’t pop his top (he likes it).
Not. Ranaldo. Mikey spoke it once and Raph duck-taped his mouth shut. The first time you call him this Raph physically has to restrain himself from retreating into his shell, because he knows very well that you won’t hesitate to strike once you have a weapon.
Say it twice and expect a headlock. Restraint can only stretch so far.
Michaelangelo
Mick
It’s such a douchebag name and Mikey knows it. There are way more creative renditions of his name and an even larger pool of nicknames to imagine. This here is the king of naming things, and if he says Mick is god awful? Then it is.
Oddly enough, he doesn’t mind if you call him Mickey. At least that’s associated with a lovable cartoon character. He’s always wanted to go to Disney+ world anyway and it kind of pairs with Donnie’s — *que Donnie bursting in, finger pointed and a heated ‘don’t say it!’ on his tongue* — anyways. Mickey is only okay if he can call you Minnie…which also works since Mikey thinks you’re cute and sweet like her.
The first time you call him Mick, he’s pressing a palm to your mouth while hushing you silent. Each time you try to ask what has his shell on backwards, he continues to make shushing sounds while cradling your head to his plastron. You have to ask one of his brothers for an explanation.
I must do this for my men... I MUST.
Calling them "Leonard".
