OK, since most of my collecting is done on-line, and most of my friends can't relate to my little obsession, I need some help from those who know.

OBAKE - How's it pronounced?

Oh-ba-kee or Oh-bay-k?

Oh-bah-kay.

Cool - Thanks!

and never O-Bake

On this same subject, how does one say "x"?

As in Exohead x Skull Toys.

Bwana Spoons x Gargamel.

Is it "by"? "Crosses"?

I've always wondered this.

Is one supposed to precede the other in order for the phrase to be correct? I mean, if you reversed the two would it still be correct?

yep also while we are at it.

here are some other japanese words that get butchered.

karoake (prounounced with same kay. ending)

sake (prounounced with same kay. ending)

(not key sound which whould be ki)

i became very aware of the words i was saying the other day when describing my collection to a friend. it's weird... but i know no one in person that collects the same toys i do. so i only ever type the words out

but when i actually heard myself saying bemon and gas bawer out loud maybe for the first time they just sounded weird coming out of my mouth

Yeah, when I talk to my wife about it that happens sometimes. Alot of the time I KNOW how to say it (Obake being an example) but there are some that I'm a little questionable on. Luckily being into a lot of Japanese culture (not really just toys) for a long time has helped me pick up on it (food especially ) so I can guess pretty close.

Yeah, I know the feeling. Anraku-ansaku is surprisingly hard to say quickly.

I just call them "Godzilla-like toys" to shorten the conversation when people ask what they are.

I pronounce "x" as "ex" and feel sort of silly when I do. If I understand correctly, "x" originally was a way of saying "versus" or "vs" and came from DJ culture, like when two DJs "compete" (more like collaborate) in a turntable duel or on a remix project. If anyone knows more, speak up!

This explanation wouldn't really work in the case of Real x Head, would it?

Didn't know that about the "x" I thought it meant "times" like in math. You know, Pushead times Kaws = Pus Kompanion etc.

I dont pronouce the x. its just a pushead BH figure to me.

It's pronounced "EKKUSU" (and it must be said all in caps). Get it right.

Real EKKUSU Head!

Obake
O...sounds like "or" without the "r"
ba...the "a" has the same sound as "fall"
ke...same as "keg" without the "g"

I have never heard the "x" pronounced. We use this kinda thing at Shocker a lot, like "BALZACxSECRET BASE", and it just signifies a collaboration. I always heard "REALxHEAD" just pronounced "REAL HEAD".

Balzac released a single which was entitled "ZODIACxBALZAC"...and that one is sometimes referred too as "ZODIAC vs. BALZAC" by the guys. So, I guess it has that "vs." meaning too...

Then again, we have the "SKULLBxBxB" figure...and there is no way we would pronounce that "SKULL vs. B vs. B vs. B" or "SKULL B 'ex' B 'ex' B"!!!!

and how is Real x Head a collab between Real vs. Head. I dont think so.

Well I never SAY "times" or "verus" or "x" but what it stood for is what I meant.

Oh sorry, I didn't mean that "REALxHEAD" was a collab, I just used it as an example of something where the "x" is also not pronounced.

Im with you man, I dont think the x shoud be pronouced, especially when referring to real x head.

As someone mentioned above, I also have a hard time pronouncing some things properly even though I *know* I am saying them wrong. I have no problem with "karaoke" and "sake", but for some reason I never pronounce "Nikon" (the camera maker) properly... it sounds weird and if I say it no one here knows what the hell I am talking about. haha So, I just go ahead and pronounce it the "wrong" way. My wife looks at me with the evil eye though when I do.

I've always substituted the "x" for "y" which is "and" in Spanish. I then add the coefficient and solve for x.

I never pronounce the "x" as in RxH, and I never head anyone ever say Real "ex" Head. That would make me burst out laughing.

I always took the "x" like Kaws x Pushead as an uncompeting VS., like Kaws "and" Pushead. Of course you can always put Kaws & Pushead, but that looks visually weak.

I think the use of "x" is largely stylistic. It can mean 'versus,' signify a collaboration, etc, and depends largely on the context. For example, Dark Side Hero Toys shortens its name as "DxHxSx," and I think I would read those "x"s out loud in saying the shortened name, whereas I would omit saying the "x" for Real x Head (I was just kidding earlier).

I already pointed that out, thanks. I don't think so either.

I should have been more clear ... when I said that I pronounce the "x," I meant that I have occasionally caught myself pronouncing it when saying "RxH," but never "Real x Head."

I think a real x-head is a porn addict or something...

Quick, cover your tracks... XO said it first!

yea, I missed your post for some reason, my bad.