FIRRIB

FIBRIR stands for "Frenzy is blue, Rumble is red". Likewise, RIBFIR means "Rumble is blue, Frenzy is red". (The forms FIRRIB and RIRFIB are also known.)
The entire debate exists because "RIBFIR" in the American G1 cartoon, but "FIBRIR" in the toyline and Marvel comics. For years, fans have argued vehemently (though often tongue-in-cheek) over which one is "correct", based mainly on their personal preference for the cartoon or the comic.
Of note, the Japanese G1 dub of the cartoon brought it into line with the toy colors, simply by switching who was who. And rather inexplicably, the US cartoon bible lists FIBRIR, despite what was consistently shown in the show.
As later incarnations of the characters draw on both the cartoon and toys as influences, the waters have become muddier still:
| Frenzy | Rumble | |
| Original toys | Blue | Red |
| Marvel comics | Blue | Red |
| US cartoon | Red | Blue |
| Japanese cartoon | Blue | Red |
| Generation 2 toys | Purple | Red and white (Unreleased) |
| Dreamwave comics | Blue | Red |
| Devil's Due comics | Red | Blue |
| Alternators toys | None | Red |
Items are listed in release order. I.e., the original toys came first.
It is generally agreed that pointing out Rumble was actually kinda purple in the original cartoon is not helpful.

