Banana!
/bah-NAH-nah/ interjection
≈ “Various exclamations/profanity”
Minions speak in 'Minionese,' a gibberish language mixing real words from multiple languages. 'Banana' is their most famous exclamation, but they also use 'Bee-do' (alarm), 'Pwede na' (Can we start), and various sounds that imply profanity through tone and context.
“BANANA! (said while falling off a building)”— Minions (Pierre Coffin)
Etymology
Minionese was created by director Pierre Coffin, who voices all Minions. It blends words from English, Spanish, French, Italian, Japanese, Korean, and pure gibberish. Like the Smurfs, meaning is conveyed through context and tone.
Usage History
Used across all Despicable Me films (2010, 2013, 2017, 2024) and Minions films (2015, 2022). One of the most commercially successful fictional language systems ever created.
Taboo Trajectory
Unique approach — rather than replacing specific English curse words, Minionese replaces ALL language, letting audience members infer profanity from tone, context, and physical comedy.
Semantic Drift Timeline
The language expanded with each Despicable Me film and the Minions spin-offs. New words are added as needed, though 'banana' remains the constant.
Regional Notes
Used by Minions universally, regardless of location.