Vegeta consistently refers to Goku by his Saiyan birth name, Kakarot, primarily as an assertion of his deep-seated Saiyan pride and to honor their shared heritage. He views using Goku's Earth-given name as disrespectful and an affront to their warrior race.
The Core Reason: Saiyan Pride
For Vegeta, the Prince of all Saiyans, lineage and heritage are paramount. His refusal to call Goku by his Earth name stems directly from his unyielding Saiyan pride. To use a name bestowed upon Goku by Earthlings would be considered highly disrespectful, or "impertinent," in Vegeta's eyes. It would implicitly acknowledge Goku's Earth upbringing and diminish the significance of their shared Saiyan ancestry.
The Significance of "Kakarot"
"Kakarot" is Goku's birth name, given to him on Planet Vegeta before its destruction. For Vegeta, using this name is not a sign of respect for Goku as an individual, but rather a profound homage to their race.
- Honoring Heritage: By calling him Kakarot, Vegeta continually reinforces their shared connection to the Saiyan people, a powerful warrior race he believes to be superior.
- Assertion of Identity: It serves as a constant reminder that, despite his life on Earth, Goku is fundamentally a Saiyan. This aligns with Vegeta's own struggle to maintain his Saiyan identity and princely status.
- Rejection of Earthly Influence: It's a deliberate choice to reject the Earthly influence on Goku's life and uphold the traditions and names of their original planet.
Why "Goku" is Disregarded
The name "Goku" is an Earth-given name, unfamiliar and irrelevant to Vegeta's perception of Saiyan identity and superiority.
| Name | Vegeta's Perception | Underlying Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Kakarot | Legitimate, Ancestral | Pays homage to the Saiyan race; recognizes their shared, powerful lineage. |
| Goku | Impertinent, Disregarded | Unacknowledges Saiyan ancestry; validates an Earth-given identity, which Vegeta views as inferior. |
Calling Goku by his Earth name would be seen by Vegeta as:
- An Insult: It disregards Goku's true heritage and the fierce warrior identity that comes with being a Saiyan.
- A Weakness: It implies an acceptance of an alien culture over their own, something Vegeta vehemently opposes.
- Undermining his Own Pride: If Vegeta, the proud Saiyan prince, were to acknowledge an Earth-given name, it would undermine his entire worldview built on Saiyan supremacy.
In essence, Vegeta's choice to call him Kakarot is less about direct disrespect towards Goku and more about a rigid adherence to his Saiyan roots and a constant assertion of his own identity as a member of the royal bloodline.
