blue shell
First-place punishment
A blue shell is the notorious power-up in Mario Kart games that targets whoever is in first place, striking them just before the finish line with devastating effect.
The term has become shorthand for any mechanism that punishes success or lets those behind catch up: College admissions are basically a blue shell for overachievers.
The frustration it causes has made it a symbol of cruel randomness in competitive contexts.
- spinyHaving sharp points
- first placeWinning position
- last placeLowest rank achieved
- rubber bandStretchable fastening loop
- raceCompetition of speed
Mario Kart · lightning · turquoise · mollusk · sea creature · crab · ocean · beach · exoskeleton · crustacean · mussel · comeback · revenge · unfair · rage quit · lead · win streak · weapon
- Smash BrosFox, Falco, Captain Falcon, Jigglypuff, Peach
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