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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

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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

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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

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Pokémon of the Day #0123

Name: Scyther

Pronunciation: Sye-thurr

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

Type: Big / 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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Pokémon of the Day #0115

Name: Kangaskhan

Pronunciation: Kang-Guh-Skan

Etymology: Kangaroo + Khan (Historic Mongolian + Turkish title for a king)

Type: Normal

Design Origins:

Kangaskhan has elements of a kangaroo, primarily the pouch containing its young. Specifically, it seems to be based on a tree kangaroo, given its stockier build, larger nails, and wider face. It also has elements of Mongolian laminar armour, such as its helmet like playing with ear flaps as well as its epaulets.

Mega Kangaskhan remains fairly similar to regular Kangaskhan, except for the fact that the baby in the pouch has hopped out and gained some of the plating seen on the larger Kangaskhan.

Most Interesting Pokédex Entry:

“To avoid crushing the baby it carries in its pouch, it always sleeps standing up.” - Crystal

“When the mother sees the back of her Mega-Evolved child, it makes her think of the day when her child will inevitably leave her.” - Ultra Moon (Mega Kangaskhan)

Most Recent Competitive Standings:

Smogon:

Gen 8: ZU

National Dex: RU

[Mega Kangaskhan]

Gen 7: Uber

National Dex: Uber

VGC:

Memphis Regional, Tennessee, USA (17/12/2017) - 6th

Perth Regional, Australia (24/6/2017) - 4th

[Mega Kangaskhan]

Kuala Lumpur Regional, Malaysia (21/12/2019) - 6th, 4th, 1st

San Diego Regional, California, USA (7/12/2019) - 13th, 2nd, 1st

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Pokémon of the Day #0114

Name: Tangela

Pronunciation: Tang-Gull-Ah

Etymology: Tangle + -ella (Suffix often used to form taxonomic names)

Type: Grass

Design Origins:

Tangela's body is completely hidden under a tangle of vines. It may, therefore, be based on the swamp monster from Theodore Sturgeon’s short story “It!”. It may also be inspired by a plant known as Selaginella Ienidophylla, which forms tumbleweeds, as well as medusa from Greek mythology.

Most Interesting Pokédex Entry:

“The blue vines shrouding its body are covered in a growth of fine hair. It is known to be ticklish.” - Platinum, Black, White

Most Recent Competitive Standings:

Smogon:

Gen 8: NFE

National Dex: NFE

VGC:

Australian Nationals 2016 (2/6/2016) - 14th

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Pokémon of the Day #0113

Name: Chansey

Pronunciation: Chan-See

Etymology: Corruption of Chance (Luck)

Type: Normal

Design Origins:

Chansey draws from a variety of different animals for its design; the pouch with the egg likely comes from marsupials or monotremes (mainly echidnas), the ears are likely from axolotls, and the frequency of egg laying is likely inspired by chickens. It may be conceptually inspired by the concept of motherhood.

Most Interesting Pokédex Entry:

“This purehearted Pokémon shares its eggs with the injured. These eggs are so nutritious that they’ve been nicknamed “doctors’ doubles.”” - Legends Arceus

Most Recent Competitive Standings:

Smogon:

Gen 9: RU

VGC:

Cologne Regional, Germany (28/9/2019) - 29th

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Pokémon of the Day #0112

Name: Rhydon

Pronunciation: Rye-Dawn

Etymology: Rhinoceros + Rhyolite (type of rock) + -don (common suffix for dinosaurs coming from the Latin word for tooth)

Type: Rock / Ground

Design Origins:

Rhydon is loosely based on a kaiju, as well as rhinoceroses and some species of dinosaurs, mainly ceratopsids. The horn on its head seems to be based on a drill.

Most Interesting Pokédex Entry:

“Standing on its hind legs freed its forelegs and made it smarter. It is very forgetful, however.” - Platinum, Black, White, Black 2, White 2

Most Recent Competitive Standings:

Smogon:

Gen 9: PU

VGC:

North American International Championships 2025 (12/6/2025) - 412th, 387th

Portland Regional, USA (24/5/2025) - 47th

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Pokémon of the Day #0111

Name: Rhyhorn

Pronunciation: Rye-Horn

Etymology: Rhinoceros + Rhyolite (a type of rock) + Horn

Type: Rock / Ground

Design Origins:

Rhyhorn most closely resembles an Indian rhinoceros, mainly in its plated armour. It also has elements of an Uintatherium, an extinct genus of herbivorous dinoceratan mammal that lived during the Eocene Epoch, such as its flat head and horn.

Most Interesting Pokédex Entry:

“Rhyhorn’s brain is very small. It is so dense, while on a run it forgets why it started running in the first place. It apparently remembers sometimes if it demolishes something.” - Sapphire, Alpha Sapphire

Most Recent Competitive Standings:

Smogon:

Gen 9: LC

VGC:

N/A

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Pokémon of the Day #0110

Name: Weezing

Pronunciation: Wee-Zing

Etymology: Corruption of the word wheezing (noise made when it’s difficult to breathe)

Type: Poison

Poison / Fairy (Galarian Forme)

Design Origins:

Weezing basis is very similar to that of Koffing, air pollution and smog, as well as possibly naval mines or meteorites given its explosive nature. The skull and crossbones design also references the hazard symbol for poisonous materials. The way the three orbs connect vaguely resembles a molecule and may reference the idea of some birth defects caused by the effects of pollution.

Galarian Weezing seems to be based on steam engines. The way the smog gathers around its face references a facial hairstyle fashionable among gentlemen during the Victorian era and this is also referenced in the hats being based on chimney hats which were also popular at the time. The chimney hats then transition into actual chimneys with steam coming out, which may reference nuclear cooling towers. Its posh gentlemanly appearance, paired with its Neutralizing Gas ability, may be a pun about noble gases.

Most Interesting Pokédex Entry:

“Weezing alternately shrinks and inflates its twin bodies to mix together toxic gases inside. The more the gases are mixed, the more powerful the toxins become. The Pokémon also becomes more putrid.” - Sapphire, Alpha Sapphire

“Long ago, during a time when droves of factories fouled the air with pollution, Weezing changed into this form for some reason.” - Shield (Galarian Forme)

Most Recent Competitive Standings:

Smogon:

Gen 9: ZU

[Galarian Forme]

Gen 9: OU

VGC:

Santiago Regional, Chile (17/5/2025) - 55th

Utrecht Special, Netherlands (17/5/2025) - 99th

[Galarian Forme]

North American International Championships 2025 (12/6/2025) - 494th, 491st, 458th, 450th, 426th, 421st, 414th, 385th, 379th, 373rd, 348th, 322nd, 320th, 309th, 306th, 294th, 262nd, 234th, 233rd, 210th, 198th, 197th, 187th, 171st, 146th, 144th, 131st, 112th, 83rd, 72nd, 59th, 55th, 47th, 37th, 24th