Campaign to Have Ucchi Renamed in Future Animal Crossing Games

[kingfisherofthesea]

Hi guys, you might say that it's kind of too late right now to change the name of the Ucchi type villagers to something else given that the ACNL game has been out for almost a year.. However, I would like to petition the use of the word "Ucchi" as the English term used amongst fans for one of the latest introduced villager type for future Animal Crossing games.

Now you might be aware that Nintendo or the creators of Animal Crossing have never actually given official English names to describe the different villager personality types that you encounter in the AC series. From what I've learnt from others on this board (correct me if I'm wrong), the Japanese term for the new "big sister" type was actually "aneki" (姉貴?) not "uchi". It particularly bugs me because we have all the other types called something that makes sense in English, which you can figure out from the term what the personality probably might be. And then suddenly... you have "uchi". After I stopped playing ACNL for a year and came back to it, I could intuitively tell what the other personality types were just by glancing at their names, but I'm stumped when it comes to Uchi. When introducing the game to newcomers, you have to spend extra time explaining what "Uchi" means, whereas the other personality types are easily understood.

I propose to rename it to "Sassy", as I feel that the descriptor adequately conveys the gist of this character type that doesn't leave out any aspects. From the big sister "I'll take care of you" side, to the tough rebellious girl acting out. The overall vibe and attitude I've gleaned from interacting with them is "you can't touch this, sister." Others have suggested other terms like "Tomboy", which I think is accurate as well.

Of course, if you feel that other names would be better, feel free to leave a suggestion here.

I also know that some people would prefer sticking to "uchi" or think this is too much trouble to get an entire fan-base to change term usages. I don't begrudge them. I welcome all to air their opinions here even if it's the other side of the coin so we can get all perspectives.

Edit: Some people have mentioned that they are under the impression that Uchi is the Japanese name. Actually, Aneki is the name called by the Japanese community. I read on the GAMEFAQ forums that apparently, "Uchi" comes from the term "Uchi-Soto" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uchi-soto
The meaning in Japanese would be "Uchi" = "in-group", "Soto" being "out-group".

 

[Ami Mercury]

Tomboys. Because Tomboys are the best kind of girl! For example look at Haruka/Tenou! She is my 2nd favorite senshi for a reason! She is 100% masculine tomboy.

 

[mikanmilk]

I like this idea.
And yes they are called aneki in the Japanese version. I'm playing it and have the Japanese guidebook.
I guess from this list I would go with tomboy.
I think sassy is good too, but I doubt a tough girl would want to be called sassy lol.
Big sis/sister is also good but in English sounds too literal.

 

[kingfisherofthesea]

Thanks guys for providing your opinions! I'm fine with tomboy too, either way I just hope it can be changed to something in English on the wikis. The reason why I always accepted the term "uchi" was because I thought the wikis were the authority on the official term provided by Nintendo. Stupid I know, since wikis in general can't be quoted or referenced in academic papers.

Uchis are one of my favourite personality types and I hope their personality can be better expressed. I feel like one of the villagers in my town trying to get people to sign my petition right now. lol

I like this idea.
And yes they are called aneki in the Japanese version. I'm playing it and have the Japanese guidebook.
I guess from this list I would go with tomboy.
I think sassy is good too, but I doubt a tough girl would want to be called sassy lol.
Big sis/sister is also good but in English sounds too literal.

I don't agree that tough girls wouldn't like to be called sassy, since sassy means "lively, bold, and full of spirit; cheeky." - e.g. "Toni was smart and sassy and liked to pretend she was a hard nut", according to the sassy definition here and here. Not to be confused with sissy, which refers to an effeminate person.

 

[okun0ichio]

"Man... I'm even popular with the girls today. Not used to that!"

Don't think they are tomboys, really. More like female delinquents that may or may not be bisexual.

 

[Story]

I don't agree that tough girls wouldn't like to be called sassy, since sassy means "lively, bold, and full of spirit; cheeky." - e.g. "Toni was smart and sassy and liked to pretend she was a hard nut", according to the sassy definition here and here. Not to be confused with sissy, which refers to an effeminate person.

That totally looks like the humanized version of Flo!
Anyway, I voted for Sassy. I don't know, I just think its kinda funny label.

 

[goey0614]

I don't know why, but I still prefer Uchi, it sounds cute to me actually :]

 

[moonchu]

i don't mind uchi tbh. based upon the villager images of the uchi type, right away i could tell what they were going for.

i understand what you're saying, though. it just adds a little splash to the game for me.

- - - Post Merge - - -

simultaneously, i don't think "tomboy" is a good fit for it.

 

[spCrossing]

They should just add an all out Tomboy personality.
In terms of the naming, I dunno Uchi is cool.
Though it's Japanese for older sister so...meh..

 

[tamagotchi]

Uchi. I don't see why people don't like it, but It's their opinion, really.

Either way, I wouldn't mind a new Sassy personality type being introduced.

 

[HoennMaster]

It's a word that has no effect on the game so there is no point in it. It's just a word.

 

[nammie]

I think Uchi sounds cute, no idea what it means or where they got the word from though lol
and I don't think tomboy is a good fit either.. I never really thought any of them were tomboyish?? more like... tough female gang leaders or something lol idk

 

[Gideon]

Well I'll admit, I've never like the term "uchi," it just sounds strange to me. All the other personality types have names that are clearly understood in English, uchi doesn't really fit in with the others. What you might call them other than this, I don't know, but I don't believe uchi goes well with the other English personalities: jock, normal, smug, cranky, peppy, snooty, and lazy all are in plain English, and are self-explanatory. Anyone can understand those words, but uchi is not an English term, making it a bit peculiar and confusing with prior knowledge. With that said, it is true that there is no "official" personality types, and this doesn't truthfully have an affect in game, it still is an understandable thing to want to change.

 

[FireNinja1]

It's a word that has no effect on the game so there is no point in it. It's just a word.

This. Just keep the Uchi because it's not going to affect anything really and it's pointless trying to make a change over something like that when there are bigger, better elements that are in higher demand.

 

[littleporkchop]

Leave it as is. That's it's actually Japanese name? Why start a campaign to change it if you don't know anything about the name? I wish they would keep all the Japanese names.

 

[Stacie]

Leave it as is. That's it's actually Japanese name? Why start a campaign to change it if you don't know anything about the name? I wish they would keep all the Japanese names.

They call uchi characters aneki in the Japanese game.

Calling smugs, smug bothers me more than uchi.

 

[juicyness]

I love the idea of them being called Tomboy.

 

[Pokemanz]

Snooty should be Sassy.
Ucchi should be Tomboy/Big Sis.

 

[Stitched]

I wouldn't really describe the Uchi villagers as tomboys tbh. I would like it to be kept Uchi.

 

[samsquared]

Why uchi over aneki I'm not sure, but 'uchi' means 'house/home' in like a 'warm' sort of way. So I do get why 'uchi' was picked on top of it just being a really catchy word.