Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
A shrug that doubles as armour. Squall uses it to end a topic before anyone can see he cares, which is why a throwaway word became the signature of the genre's most famous sulker. It is a localisation story too: an English word standing in for a differently shaded Japanese phrase, and fans now use it to tease anyone who says it with the right amount of teenage disdain.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for Final Fantasy VIIIShow the scene
"Whatever" is the English catchphrase of Squall Leonhart, the guarded student mercenary of Final Fantasy VIII (Square, PlayStation, 1999). Wikipedia notes that in the Japanese original he tends to answer other characters with sarcastic remarks like "well, excuse me", and that the English localisation turned this into "whatever". The Final Fantasy Wiki adds that the Japanese phrase warukatta na is the one he repeats most, and that Rinoa mimics it when imitating his manner. The ellipsis in the filed line marks the usual dismissive pause before the shrug. His loner act is the point of the game's opening hours.
Sources (2)
- Wikipedia: Squall LeonhartConcept and designReference checked
- Final Fantasy Wiki: Squall LeonhartPersonalityReference checked
Context reviewed