Just because out of universe, we call it Predator, I know that doesn't mean it's actual title or name in universe is Predator.
But do we ever hear anyone in any of the Predator or AVP movies refer to Predator as Predator or even the/a predator?
I don't remember ever having a scene like this while I was watching any of the Predator movies.
The only time it's said in any of the films is in Predators (2010) Isabelle says:
It’s because we are predators, Royce. Just like them.
Here's it's not used as a proper noun.
There's no in-universe use of it as a proper noun.
In the script for Predator 2 (1990) it is referred to as the Predator.
his vision STEPS IN, downward, through the canyons of steel, the distorted WHINE of a SIREN, growing louder as the Predator's vision ZOOMS IN to the streets below, coming to rest on a bizarre scene
However it is never referred to as such by any characters.
From the new movie "The Predator":
Merc Soldier: Why do you call it the Predator?
Traeger: It's a nickname, the data suggests that it tracks its prey, exploits weakness. Seems to enjoy it, like a game.
Merc Soldier: That's not a predator, that's a sports hunter. A predator kills its prey to survive, what you're describing is more like a bass fisherman.
Traeger: Well we took a vote, Predator is cooler. Right? Fuck yeah.
Yes. In Predator 2, Gary Busey, when explaining to Danny Glover that it’s an alien, calls it a predator.
KEYES: It's taken us over two weeks to learn his patterns. He comes here every two days to feed. Seems he has a taste for beef.
HARRIGAN: I didn't think he was vegetarian.
KEYES: Well, we've prepared a little trap for this predator.
