#badposting

So in the world of pokémon (as depicted in the anime), pokémon have existed alongside humans since ancient times, predating the invention of language. And also, pokémon say their names out loud, and presumably have been doing so since before the invention of language (they certainly aren't picking this up from humans - newborn and totally wild pokémon do it).

This means that in-universe, the etymology of the pun names is reversed. Staryu and Starmie aren't named after stars, because they were calling themselves that before humans had language! Instead, when language was being developed, stars were named after Staryu and Starmie. The word 'slow' comes from the laconic behavior of Slowbro (much like "slothful" in English). Tangles are named after Tangula. The word 'nine' presumably from "the number of tails a Ninetales has". Coughing is called that because it's what you do when you spend too long around a Koffing. Spheres are called that because of Spheal. Mimes are people who do the thing Mr. Mime does. The list goes on and on.

Unfortunately, this means that if slurs are real in the pokémon world, then concerningly, they're named after Slurpuff.