veeveegc

[veeveegc]

Pokémon of the Day #0132

Name: Ditto

Pronunciation: Dih-toh

Etymology: Ditto (imitation)

Type: Normal

Design Origins:

Ditto strongly resembles an amoeba, a single celled organism with no defined shape, which may be a reference to its ability to alter its cellular make-up. In addition, Junichi Masuda and Ken Sugimori have both confirmed that ditto was based on the “ :) ” emoticon. Conceptually, Ditto’s ability to shape shift may be a reference to skinwalkers or doppelgangers.

Most Interesting Pokédex Entry:

“It can reorganize its cells to make itself into a duplicate of anything it sees. The quality of the duplicate depends on the individual.” - Sun

Most Recent Competitive Standings:

Smogon:

Gen 9: ZU

VGC:

North American International Championships 2025 (12/6/2025) - 423rd, 408th, 323rd, 241st, 122nd, 121st, 71st, 22nd, 11th

Portland Regional, USA (24/5/2025) - 93rd

[veeveegc]

Pokémon of the Day #0131

Name: Lapras

Pronunciation: Lap-Rus

Etymology: Either Lapiz Lazuli or Laplace (a reference to a mathematician who wrote several books on the mathematical properties of the sea and tides, Pierre-Simon Laplace)

Type: Water / Ice

Design Origins:

Lapras seems to be inspired by the Loch Ness Monster, a cryptid reportedly based in Loch Ness in Scotland. Both the monster and Lapras seem to largely resemble plesiosaurs, aquatic reptiles which existed throughout the mesozoic era in earth's history. Its shell may also indicate a basis in sea turtles. Its association with music may also indicate some inspiration being taken from whales, such as humpback whales.

Gigantimax Lapras takes Lapras’ trait of being used to sail across seas and gives it a design resembling a ship. It also possessed traits of a musical instrument such as an ocarina.

Most Interesting Pokédex Entry:

“These Pokémon were once near extinction due to poaching. Following protective regulations, there is now an overabundance of them.” - Moon

“Over 5,000 people can ride on its shell at once. And it’s a very comfortable ride, without the slightest shaking or swaying.” - Sword (Gigantimax Lapras)

Most Recent Competitive Standings:

Smogon:

Gen 9: ZU

[Gigantimax Lapras]

Gen 8: Anything Goes

National Dex: Anything Goes

VGC:

San Antonio Regional, USA (25/1/2025) - 74th

London Open (21/8/2022) - 49th

[veeveegc]

Pokémon of the Day #0130

Name: Gyarados

Pronunciation: Gah-Rah-Dohs

Etymology: Apparently, according to Ken Sugimori (the lead artist of Game Freak) Gyarados’ name has no direct meaning as was merely chosen for its “force”

Type: Water / Flying

Water / Dark (Mega Gyarados)

Design Origins:

Gyarados is based on a sea serpent and a Chinese dragon. Conceptually, Gyarados is based on the legend of a carp that jumped over the dragon gate and became a dragon, hence evolving from Magikarp. Gyarados’ flying typing may be based on koinobori, a windsock flown on Children's Day in Japan, or it could be based on Eastern dragons such as the Azure Dragon due to their association with the sea and sky.

Mega Gyarados' strengthens the basis on the koinobori, but may also be based on the beta art design of gyarados.

Most Interesting Pokédex Entry:

“I suspect this Pokémon to be the true identity of a dragon written of in ancient texts, which claimed that it razed an entire village with white-hot beams from its maw.” - Legends Arceus

“Mega Evolution also affects its brain, leaving no other function except its destructive instinct to burn everything to cinders.” - Sun (Mega Gyarados)

Most Recent Competitive Standings:

Smogon:

Gen 9: RU

[Mega Gyarados]

Gen 7: OU

National Dex: UUBL

VGC:

Atlanta Regional, USA (12/4/2025) - 138th

Toronto Regional, Canada (14/12/2024) - 191st, 162nd, 39th

[Mega Gyarados]

Columbus Regional, USA (21/6/2019) - 59th

Melbourne Regional, Australia (26/5/2018) - 6th

[veeveegc]

Pokémon of the Day #0129

Name: Magikarp

Pronunciation: Mah-Jee-Karp

Etymology: Magic + Carp

Type: Water

Design Origins:

Magikarp is based on the Asian carp, and also possibly a goldfish. Asian carps are known for their ability to leap 2½ to 3 metres into the air when disturbed. The crown on its head may be a reference to the fact that the Japanese word for goldfish is “kingyo” which sounds like the English word ‘King’. Its consistently open mouth may be inspired by koinobori, a carp shaped windsock flown for the children's festival in Japan.

Most Interesting Pokédex Entry:

“Magikarp is a pathetic excuse for a Pokémon that is only capable of flopping and splashing. This behavior prompted scientists to undertake research into it.” - Ruby, Omega Ruby

Most Recent Competitive Standings:

Smogon:

Gen 9: LC

VGC:

Australian Nationals 2016 (2/7/2016) - 6th

[veeveegc]

Pokémon of the Day #0128

Name: Tauros

Pronunciation: Tore-ohs

Etymology: Derived from Greek ‘tauros’, meaning bull

Type: Normal

Fighting (Paldean Forme - Combat Breed)

Fighting / Fire (Paldean Forme - Blaze Breed)

Fighting / Water (Paldean Forme - Aqua Breed)

Design Origins:

Tauros is based on a bull. Given its name it may also be based on the constellation Taurus, the bull. Its tail may be based on a whip, given the multiple tails it may specifically be based on the cat o’ nine tails.

Given that Paldea is based on Iberia, it is likely that Paldean Tauros is based on Spanish bullfighting. The black colouration could be inspired by the Osborne Bull, a cultural symbol of Spain. The variations of Paldean Tauros being fire and water type respectively may be a reference to two controversial bullfighting practices in Spain.

Blaze Breed may be a reference to the Toro embolado, where the bull's horns are set on fire.

Aqua Breed may be a reference to the Bous a la Mar, where the bull runs down the Marqués de Campo street in the Valencian region of Dénia and ends up in the Mediterranean Sea. It could also be a reference to water buffalos.

Most Interesting Pokédex Entry:

“This Pokémon is not satisfied unless it is rampaging at all times. If there is no opponent for Tauros to battle, it will charge at thick trees and knock them down to calm itself.” - Ruby, Sapphire, Omega Ruby, Alpha Sapphire

“This kind of Tauros, known as the Combat Breed, is distinguished by its thick, powerful muscles and its fierce disposition.” - Paldean Forme - Combat Breed)

“When heated by fire energy, its horns can get hotter than 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit. Those gored by them will suffer both wounds and burns.” - Scarlet (Paldean Forme - Blaze Breed)

“It swims by jetting water from its horns. The most notable characteristic of the Aqua Breed is its high body fat, which allows it to float easily.” - Violet (Paldean Forme - Aqua Breed)

Most Recent Competitive Standings:

Smogon:

Gen 9: ZU

[Paldean Forme - Combat Breed]

Gen 9: ZU

[Paldean Forme - Blaze Breed]

Gen 9: PU

[Paldean Forme - Aqua Breed]

Gen 9: NU

VGC:

[Paldean Forme - Combat Breed]

Sacramento Regional, USA (14/10/2023) - 106th

[Paldean Forme - Blaze Breed]

Toronto Regional, Canada (14/12/2024) - 114th, 81st,

Lille Regional, France (19/10/2024) - 104th

[Paldean Forme - Aqua Breed]

Toronto Regional, Canada (14/12/2024) - 245th

Stuttgart Regional, Germany (30/11/2024) - 250th, 156th

[veeveegc]

Pokémon of the Day #0127

Name: Pinsir

Pronunciation: Pin-Surr

Etymology: Corruption of ‘Pincer’ in reference to the horns on its head

Type: Bug

Bug / Flying (Mega Pinsir)

Design Origins:

Pinsir seems to be based on a stag beetle. Specifically, it may be based on the Prosopocoilus inclinatus, a species commonly used in insect fighting, a practice which inspired the concept of Pokémon. The mandibles on its head may be based on those from the lucanus maculifemoratus hopei.

Mega Pinsir gains wings to more closely represent the stag beetles the species is based on. Its horns change to resemble the Calcodes versicolor species of stag beetle.

Most Interesting Pokédex Entry:

“This Pokémon clamps its pincers down on its prey and then either splits the prey in half or flings it away” - Shield

“It zips around at blistering speeds, looking for an opening to skewer its opponent on its giant pincers.” - Ultra Moon (Mega Pinsir)

Most Recent Competitive Standings:

Smogon:

Gen 8: ZU

National Dex: RU

[Mega Pinsir]

Gen 7: UUBL

National Dex: UUBL

VGC:

N/A

[veeveegc]

Pokémon of the Day #0126

Name: Magmar

Pronunciation: Mag-Marr

Etymology: Magma + Fulmar (seabird capable of projectile vomiting stomach acid as a defence mechanism)

Type: Fire

Design Origins:

Magmar is a combination of a bird, specifically either a duck or booby, and a mythical salamander of fire. It also has some traits of an iguana, primarily in its tail. Its face shape may be inspired by hyottoko masks, which are made to resemble a fire breather using a bamboo shoot. Conceptually, it may be based on a creature from Hindu-Buddhist mythology called a Karura, which is a bird-like creature capable of breathing fire.

Most Interesting Pokédex Entry:

“When it’s tired, it leaps into the mouth of a volcano and soaks its body in magma to ease its weariness. Its body burns at 2,192 degrees F.” - Sun

Most Recent Competitive Standings:

Smogon:

Gen 9: NFE

VGC:

Toronto Regional, Canada (14/12/2024) - 249th, 246, 192nd, 176th, 146th, 131st, 125th, 114th, 109th, 104th, 89th, 69th, 5th

Perth Regional, Australia (7/12/2024) - 43rd, 31st, 14th

[veeveegc]

Pokémon of the Day #0125

Name: Electabuzz

Pronunciation: Ee-Leck-Tah-Buzz

Etymology: Electric + Buzz (the humming noise caused by electricity)

Type: Electric

Design Origins:

Electabuzz seems to be mainly inspired by the oni, a creature from Japanese mythology described as an ogre wearing tiger skin as clothing. In some depictions, these oni possess lightning and thunder abilities. The horns on its head somewhat resemble Tesla coils.

Most Interesting Pokédex Entry:

“Electricity leaks from it in amounts far greater than the amount of electricity it eats.” - Moon

Most Recent Competitive Standings:

Smogon:

Gen 9: NFE

VGC:

North American International Championships 2025 (12/6/2025) - 167th

Bologna Special, Italy (31/5/2025) - 201st

[veeveegc]

Pokémon of the Day #0124

Name: Jynx

Pronunciation: Jing-cks

Etymology: Jinx (curse of bad luck)

Type: Ice / Psychic

Design Origins:

According to ‘Satoshi Tahiri: The Man Behind Pokémon’, Jynx was inspired by gyaru street fashion from the 1980s and 1990s in Japan. This style was a subculture which centred around women who wear heavy fake tan and have bleached hair. Jynx’s purple skin may be a reference to the decolourisation caused by frostbite. Jynx may also draw from opera singers and possibly Valkyries. Furthermore, there may also be some inspiration from Yuki-onna, Japanese snow spirits.

Most Interesting Pokédex Entry:

“It seductively wiggles its hips as it walks. It can cause people to dance in unison with it.” - Red, Blue, Leafgreen

Most Recent Competitive Standings:

Smogon:

Gen 8: ZU

National Dex: RU

VGC:

Paris Special, France (2/11/2019) - 5th

Cologne Regional, Germany (28/9/2019) - 16th

[veeveegc]

Pokémon of the Day #0123

Name: Scyther

Pronunciation: Sye-thurr

Etymology: Scythe + -er (suffix that denotes the doer of an action)

Type: Bug / Flying

Design Origins:

Scyther seems to be based on a mantis, more specifically it seems to be based on the Chinese mantis and the European mantis. Its arms are shaped to resemble scythes. Its head shape and body stance seem to imply some basis in reptilian creatures, most likely dromaeosaurid dinosaurs. It may also take some inspiration from ninjas.

Most Interesting Pokédex Entry:

“Leaps out of tall grass and slices prey with its scythes. The movement looks like that of a ninja.” - Yellow, Let's Go Pikachu, Let's Go Eevee

Most Recent Competitive Standings:

Smogon:

Gen 9: NU

VGC:

Dortmund Regional, Germany (28/9/2024) - 85th

Baltimore Regional, USA (14/9/2024) - 56th

[veeveegc]

Pokémon of the Day #0122

Name: Mr. Mime

Pronunciation: Miss-Turr-Mime

Etymology: Mr (abbreviation of Mister, male title) + Mime

Type: Psychic / Fairy

Ice / Psychic (Galarian Forme)

Design Origins:

Mr. Mime is based on a mime artist, drawing from the famous miming act of pretending to be stuck in a box. Its body is reminiscent of a jester, with the protrusions on its head resembling a fool’s cap and its feet resembling a jester's shoes. It also has some resemblance to an elf, which may explain the fairy typing.

Galarian Mr. Mime draws from a different performance style, that of tap dancing and ice skating. Its shoes now resemble tap shoes and the sides of its head now seem to be based on earmuffs. Its chest ice looks like a necktie.

Most Interesting Pokédex Entry:

“It creates invisible walls with its pantomiming. If you don’t act impressed, it will attack you with a double slap!” - Ultra Moon

“Its talent is tap-dancing. It can also manipulate temperatures to create a floor of ice, which this Pokémon can kick up to use as a barrier.” - Sword (Galarian Forme)

Most Recent Competitive Standings:

Smogon:

Gen 8: ZU

National Dex: RU

[Galarian Forme]

Gen 8: NFE

National Dex: NFE

VGC:

Cancun Special, Mexico (26/5/2018) - 8th

Taiwan Special, Taiwan (21/4/2018) - 8th

[veeveegc]

Pokémon of the Day #0121

Name: Starmie

Pronunciation: Star-Mee

Etymology: Star + Mystery, also possible ‘me’

Type: Water / Psychic

Design Origins:

Starmie is based on a starfish, drawing from various different types. It takes its colour from the purple sea star and the central pattern from the Hefferman’s starfish. Its regenerative abilities are common amongst starfish. It may also be inspired by actual stars, given its ability to emit light, and shurikens due to the rapid spinning. The gem being the heart of the Pokémon, as well as its ability to learn multiple beam moves indicate a possible inspiration from the Ultraman series.

Most Interesting Pokédex Entry:

“Its core shines in many colors and sends radio signals into space to communicate with something.” - Black 2, White 2

Most Recent Competitive Standings:

Smogon:

Gen 8: NU

National Dex: RU

VGC:

Buenos Aires Special, Argentina (9/4/2017) - 3rd

Korean Spring League 2017 (9/4/2017) - 15th

[veeveegc]

Pokémon of the Day #0120

Name: Staryu

Pronunciation: Star-Yoo

Etymology: Star + You

Type: Water

Design Origins:

Staryu is based on a starfish, most likely a necklace starfish given the plating around its bright red centre. It may also be based on a literal star, as indicated by the multiple references to space within its lore and its ability to emit light. Its ability to rapidly spin may also be a reference to shurikens, aka throwing stars. Furthermore, Staryu itself may be a reference to the Ultraman series; its Japanese name, as well as its ability to learn multiple beam moves, and the gem in its centre which flashes when weak all indicate a relation to the Japanese series. This is expanded on in the anime where the noises made by the Pokémon are similar to the vocal sound effects used in the show.

Most Interesting Pokédex Entry:

“If its body is torn, it can grow back if the red core remains. The core flashes at midnight.” - Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, Black, White, Black 2, White 2

Most Recent Competitive Standings:

Smogon:

Gen 8: LC

National Dex: LC

VGC:

N/A

[veeveegc]

Pokémon of the Day #0119

Name: Seaking

Pronunciation: See-King

Etymology: Sea + King, also possibly a play on ‘Seeking’

Type: Water

Design Origins:

Seaking is a goldfish, most likely the azuma nishiki variety of oranda goldfish given its plumper body. Its nature of jumping up waterfalls is similar to that of sockeye salmon. The horn on its head may be a reference to Matsya, an avatar of the Hindu deity Vishnu who presents as a fish with a giant horn. The connection between royalty and goldfish comes from the fact that the japanese word for goldfish is ‘Kingyo’ which sounds like the english word “king”.

Most Interesting Pokédex Entry:

“Trainers who are crazy for Seaking are divided into horn enthusiasts and fin enthusiasts. The two groups do not get along well.” - Moon

Most Recent Competitive Standings:

Smogon:

Gen 8: ZU

National Dex: RU

VGC:

Buenos Aires Special, Argentina (9/4/2017) - 3rd

[veeveegc]

Pokémon of the Day #0118

Name: Goldeen

Pronunciation: Gohl-Deen

Etymology: Goldfish or Golden + Queen

Type: Water

Design Origins:

Goldeen is based on a goldfish, most likely the Tosakin variety of goldfish given the red and white scales, as well as the flat tail fin. Its prominent eyelashes and lips, as well as its tail, give it a very feminine appearance, similar to that of a queen. The connection between is royalty and goldfish comes from the fact that the japanese word for goldfish is ‘Kingyo’ which sounds like the english word “king”. The horn on its head may be a reference to Matsya, an avatar of the Hindu deity Vishnu which presents as a fish with a giant horn.

Most Interesting Pokédex Entry:

“The way it swims along fluttering its dress-like fins has earned it the name “princess of the water.”” - Ultra Moon

Most Recent Competitive Standings:

Smogon:

Gen 8: LC

National Dex: LC

VGC:

N/A

[veeveegc]

Pokémon of the Day #0117

Name: Seadra

Pronunciation: See-Dra

Etymology: Sea or Seahorse + Dragon, also possible Seadragon (a type of animal closely related to seahorses)

Type: Water

Design Origins:

Seadra seems to be based on a seahorse, most likely the spiny seahorse. Its more draconic features may be a reference to the Japanese myth that a seahorse that lives for a century may turn into a dragon. Much like Horsea, its snout shape and Sniper ability also allude to a possible water pistol origin.

Most Interesting Pokédex Entry:

“An examination of its cells revealed the presence of a gene not found in HORSEA. It became a hot topic.” - Gold, HeartGold

Most Recent Competitive Standings:

Smogon:

Gen 9: NFE

VGC:

N/A

[veeveegc]

Pokémon of the Day #0116

Name: Horsea

Pronunciation: Hore-See

Etymology: Syllables for Seahorses inverted, also possible “horsie” (childish term for a horse)

Type: Water

Design Origins:

Horsea is based on a seahorse. Its snout shape, as well as its ability ‘Sniper’, allude to there also being some basis in water pistols.

Most Interesting Pokédex Entry:

“It makes its nest in the shade of corals. If it senses danger, it spits murky ink and flees.” - Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, Black, White, Black 2, White 2, Y

Most Recent Competitive Standings:

Smogon:

Gen 9: LC

VGC:

N/A