Pikachu is the mascot of the Pokemon franchise, first introduced in the 1990s through the video games and the long-running animated series, where the electric mouse Pokemon communicates largely through variations of its own name. That simple, catchy vocal pattern made it easy to imitate, quote and remix online, and short clips of Pikachu saying pika pika have circulated for years on soundboards, in fan edits and in reaction videos. The stretched version adds extra playfulness, which keeps it useful as an instantly recognisable shorthand for cuteness, excitement and lighthearted surprise.