The term "Cape" refers to Mario's Cape and Doctor Mario's Super Sheet Side Special Move. Either Cape action has the ability to reflect projectiles and spin characters in the opposite direction (even if they're shielding).
The Cape deals up to 10% damage (12% for the Super Sheet) and has no knockback. This means that it will not interrupt attacks; rather, it only turns the enemy character around. This can leave recovering characters unable to grab the ledge.
However the cape can be broken in the same manner as a reflecting attack can. That is to say, if the damage that the oncoming attack would do would break a shield in one hit, the cape will not work and Mario or Dr. Mario will enter broken shield animation.
Using the Cape also causes Mario to float slightly, meaning it has uses in recovery and in helping him avoid edgeguarders.
Origin
Originating from Super Mario World, the Cape enabled Mario to spin and attack with it. This can also allow to throw or deflect projectiles like a Koopa's shell, as long as destroying others.
Usage variations
The Cape attacks can also be pronounced as a verb (capes, caped, caped), i.e. "I just caped that Ike's recovery and won the tournament!"
Trivia
Cape can even be used to a taunting character to make him face the other way, like making Wario face the screen while doing the side taunt. Template:Mario Special Moves Template:Dr. Mario Special Moves