Pokémon of the Day

Name: Bonsly

Pronunciation: Bawn-Slee

Etymology: Bonsai (type of small tree) + Sly

Type: Rock

Design Origins:

Bonsly is based on a bonsai tree, a small tree often kept as a potted plant, as well as petrified wood, and a baby. The petrified wood origin is also the explanation as to why it's a rock type as opposed to grass, as most expect, as petrified wood is wood which has fossilised into rock over a long period of time. The flowerpot on its lower half resembles a nappy, which exemplifies the baby inspiration.

Most Interesting Pokédex Entry:

“If its body gets too damp, it will die. So, in a process reminiscent of sweating, its eyes expel moisture.” - Ultra Moon

Most Recent Competitive Standings:

Smogon:

Gen 9: LC

VGC:

Name: Bronzong

Pronunciation: Brawn-Zawng

Etymology: Bronze + Gong or Dong (onomatopoeia of a ringing bell “ding dong”) or bianzhong (Chinese instruments comprised of bells)

Type: Steel / Psychic

Design Origins:

Bronzong is based on dōtaku, bells which are said to bring good harvests in Japan, which is reflected in Bronzong being said to bring rainfall for good harvests and being able to learn Rain Dance. These bells were decorated with nature symbology and were buried in various locations. Its Diamond Pokédex entry may be a reference to one of these burial locations, the Kamoiwakura Site, which, in 1966, was discovered to have had several dōtaku buried there dating back as far as the Yayoi period 2000 years ago. Additionally, its connections to rain may also extend to Tlāloc, the mesopotamian rain god, whom Bronzong’s face resembles and who is also depicted in a similar cyan colour scheme. Conceptually, both it and Bronzor may be based on the Japanese myth presented in the book Kwaidan: Stories and Studies of Strange Things by Lafcadio Hearn. In the story, a group of priests of Mugenyama want to forge a bell for their temple. They ask local women to donate their bronze mirrors to melt them down to make the bell, only one woman donates her mirror but later comes to regret this decision. Due to her doubt, the mirror will not melt until she eventually kills herself. Before she ended her life, she declared that whoever breaks the bell would become very wealthy. As a result, multiple people attempted and failed to break the bell by ringing it violently until the tired priests rolled it into a swamp in frustration.

Most Interesting Pokédex Entry:

“One caused a news sensation when it was dug up at a construction site after a 2,000-year sleep.” - Diamond

Most Recent Competitive Standings:

Smogon:

Gen 9: NU

VGC:

Seville Special, Spain (28/3/2026) - 68th

Name: Bronzor

Pronunciation: Brawn-Zorr

Etymology: Bronze + Mirror

Type: Steel / Psychic

Design Origins:

Bronzor is based on a rei-kyō, a type of bronze mirror. The engraving on its back half resembles a piece of grain, referencing how its evolved form, Bronzong, is known to summon rain for better harvests. Given that Bronzong is based on a bell, Bronzor may also be based on some form of instrument, namely a gong. Conceptually, both it and Bronzong may be based on the Japanese myth presented in the book Kwaidan: Stories and Studies of Strange Things by Lafcadio Hearn. In the story, a group of priests of Mugenyama want to forge a bell for their temple. They ask local women to donate their bronze mirrors to melt them down to make the bell, only one woman donates her mirror but later comes to regret this decision. Due to her doubt, the mirror will not melt until she eventually kills herself. Before she ended her life, she declared that whoever breaks the bell would become very wealthy. As a result, multiple people attempted and failed to break the bell by ringing it violently until the tired priests rolled it into a swamp in frustration.

Most Interesting Pokédex Entry:

“Floats using a mysterious energy. The pattern engraved upon its back is held as sacred and can sometimes be found in imagery from ancient cemeteries and other such timeworn places.” - Legends Arceus

Most Recent Competitive Standings:

Smogon:

Gen 9: LC

VGC:

Name: Skuntank

Pronunciation: Skun-Tank

Etymology: Skunk + Tank

Type: Poison / Dark

Design Origins:

Skunky is based on a skunk, specifically a hog-nosed skunk, as well as a tank. Its appearance, as well as its foul-smelling nature, is similar to that of a honey badger. The way its tail sits on its head gives it a pompadour “hairstyle”. Its ability to learn Self-Destruct and Explosion, on top of it possessing the Aftermath ability, may reference gas bombs or how skunks release all their spray at once, as well as flatulence. Its tendency to shoot projectiles from its tail, as well as its ability to learn Flamethrower, invokes imagery of a tank.

Most Interesting Pokédex Entry:

“Sprays a poisonous fluid to take down prey. Sometimes, unable to stomach the stench of its own fluid, it leaves the bested prey uneaten.” - Legends Arceus

Most Recent Competitive Standings:

Smogon:

Gen 9: ZU

VGC:

Name: Stunky

Pronunciation: Stun-Kee

Etymology: Skunk + Stinky

Type: Poison / Dark

Design Origins:

Skunky is based on a skunk, specifically a hog-nosed skunk, with some elements of a cat. Its face shape has the appearance of buttocks, and its cry and Japanese name are overt references to flatulence. Its ability to learn Self-Destruct and Explosion, on top of it possessing the Aftermath ability, may reference gas bombs or how skunks release all their spray at once, alternatively they're just further references to farting.

Most Interesting Pokédex Entry:

“The foul fluid from its rear is so revolting that it can make people feel queasy up to a mile and a quarter away.” - HeartGold, SoulSilver, Violet

Most Recent Competitive Standings:

Smogon:

Gen 9: LC

VGC:

Name: Chingling

Pronunciation: Ching-Ling

Etymology: Chime + Jingling + -ling (diminutive suffix to denote something as small)

Type: Psychic

Design Origins:

Chingling is based on a suzu bell, which are usually displayed at Shinto shrines. It also has some elements of a toddler, such as its deafening cries.

Most Interesting Pokédex Entry:

“This Pokémon gave me an excruciating headache when it seemingly cried out without making a sound. Perhaps there are some sounds that the human ear is simply incapable of hearing.” - Legends Arceus

Most Recent Competitive Standings:

Smogon:

Gen 9: LC

VGC:

Name: Purugly

Pronunciation: Purr-Rug-Lee

Etymology: Purr + Ugly, also possibly a pun on “Pure Ugly”

Type: Normal

Design Origins:

Purugly is based on a cat, specifically an overweight tabby cat, with elements of a stereotypical cartoonish ugly woman. The way its stomach is binded with its tail is similar to the effect of a corset. It may also draw from the nekomata, a cat-like yokai, and the crescent shape of its head is similar to that of a moon, referencing its nocturnal lifestyle. 

Most Interesting Pokédex Entry:

“It binds its body with its tails to make itself look bigger. If it locks eyes, it will glare ceaselessly.” - Platinum, Black, White, Black 2, White 2

Most Recent Competitive Standings:

Smogon:

Gen 7: ZU

National Dex: RU

VGC:

Name: Glameow

Pronunciation: Glah-Mee-Yaow

Etymology: Glamorous + Meow 

Type: Normal

Design Origins:

Glameow is based on a cat, specifically a Devon Rex, a species which emerged in England in the 1950s and which is known for its tall ears. It also has elements of a ribbon gymnast. Its tail shape resembles a spring toy, possibly a reference to a belief from the Edo period that cats with snake-like tails had the ability to bewitch people, an inspiration which is referenced in its Legends Arceus Pokédex entry. 

Most Interesting Pokédex Entry:

“Bewitches humans with its helical tail and piercing gaze. Its hidden claws are quite sharp as well, making this Pokémon an exceedingly tricky opponent if antagonized.” - Legends Arceus

Most Recent Competitive Standings:

Smogon:

Gen 7: LC National Dex: LC

VGC:

Name: Honchkrow

Pronunciation: Hawnch-Kroh

Etymology: Honcho (boss, as in “head honcho”) + Crow

Type: Dark / Flying

Design Origins:

Honchkrow is based on both a crow and a raven, leaning more towards raven than Murkrow due to its bulkier build. Honchkrow is also inspired by mob bosses, with its crest resembling a wide-brimmed fedora, a hat stereotypically associated with crime bosses. This design element also reframes Murkrow as its gang members. It also takes some inspiration from witches, with its tail resembling a besom broom and its “hat” also somewhat resembling a witch’s hat. The witch connection is strengthened by the fact that crows and ravens are often depicted in the role of the witch's familiar, which would reframe Honchkrow’s relationship with Murkrow as it being the leader of a magical organisation or coven, and the crescent moon design around its eyes strengthens the witch connection even more so.

Most Interesting Pokédex Entry:

“If its Murkrow cronies fail to catch food for it, or if it feels they have betrayed it, it will hunt them down wherever they are and punish them.” - Moon

Most Recent Competitive Standings:

Smogon:

Gen 9: ZU

VGC:

Name: Mismagius

Pronunciation: Miss-Mah-Gee-Us

Etymology: Mischievous + Magus or Magic

Type: Ghost

Design Origins:

Mismagius is conceptually based on a witch, a connection strengthened by its purple colour scheme which may be inspired by the purple skin of the Nasu-Babā, a witch-like Yokai. Its Pokédex entries stating that its cries sound like it’s a tormented person may be a reference to the Irish Banshee, a spirit from Irish Mythology depicted as a wailing woman. Additionally, it may also be inspired by various Polish spirits, such as the zmory, a succubus-esque spirit associated with night terrors, or the strzygi, a scarecrow spirit. This is strengthened by the red gems on its body resembling red korale beads, which were popular in 19th century Poland and were said to be imbued with magical power.

Most Interesting Pokédex Entry:

“It appears as if from nowhere—muttering incantations, placing curses, and giving people terrifying visions.” - Sun

Most Recent Competitive Standings:

Smogon:

Gen 9: PU

VGC:

Name: Lopunny

Pronunciation: Lawp-Un-Nee

Etymology: Lop (a breed of rabbit with floppy ears) + Bunny

Type: Normal

Normal / Fighting (Mega Lopunny)

Design Origins:

Lopunny is based on a lop rabbit. Its patches of fur on its arms and legs resemble a fashion model wearing faux-fur gloves and boots. Its default stance also suggests that it may be inspired by the Playboy bunny, and the concept of bunny girls as a whole.

Mega Lopunny gains a design reminiscent of 1980s acrobatic outfits, reflecting its new fighting typing. The black fur on its legs resemble leggings with rips in them, and the fur on its arms and legs now resemble arm and leg warmers respectively. The fur in its hair is likely based on scrunchies.

Most Interesting Pokédex Entry:

“Once hot seasons are over, Lopunny’s coat will be replaced with fur that holds a lot of insulating air in preparation for colder weather.” - Shield

“It swings its ears like whips and strikes its enemies with them. It has an intensely combative disposition.” - Ultra Sun (Mega Lopunny)

Most Recent Competitive Standings:

Smogon:

Champions: UU

[Mega Lopunny]

Champions: OU

VGC:

Indianapolis Regionals, USA (30/5/2026) - 132nd

UK Nationals 2015 (30/5/2015) - 21st

[Mega Lopunny]

2019 World Championships (17/8/2019) - 47th, 42nd

Name: Buneary

Pronunciation: Bun-Neer-Ree

Etymology: Bunny + Ear

Type: Normal

Design Origins:

Buneary is based on a bunny rabbit. The cream-coloured area on its lower body may be based on a skirt and the way its ear curls up resembles a fashionable hat.

Most Interesting Pokédex Entry:

“My hypothesis as to why Buneary rolls up its ears is that its hearing is far too keen. I surmise that the Pokémon protects its hearing by limiting the sound that may enter its ears.” - Legends Arceus

Most Recent Competitive Standings:

Smogon:

Gen 8: LC

National Dex: LC

VGC:

Name: Drifblim

Pronunciation: Drif-Blihm

Etymology: Drift + Blimp

Type: Ghost / Flying

Design Origins:

Drifblim is based on a hot air balloon, as well as possibly a blimp. The yellow marking on its face resembles tape over a puncture and white puff on the top of its head resembles a cloud. The way its four arms hang down is similar to the rigging used to connect a hot air balloon to its basket. Visually it's also similar to some box jellyfish, such as the Carukia barnesi, or a space jellyfish, a phenomenon caused by rocket launches which is sometimes mistaken for a UFO sighting. Conceptually it may draw from kaidan ghost stories, a Japanese form of storytelling where ghosts have historically been compared to balloons.

Most Interesting Pokédex Entry:

“Some say this Pokémon is a collection of souls burdened with regrets, silently drifting through the dusk.” - Sword

Most Recent Competitive Standings:

Smogon:

Gen 9: ZU

VGC:

Seville Special, Spain (28/3/2026) - 75th

Name: Drifloon

Pronunciation: Drif-Floon

Etymology: Drift + Balloon

Type: Ghost / Flying

Design Origins:

Drifloon is based on a balloon, with the yellow marking on its face resembling tape over a puncture. The white puff in the top of its head resembles a cloud, and the heart-shaped things at the end of the strings resemble the weights of helium balloons used to prevent them from flying away. Visually it may also loosely be inspired by a comb jelly, specifically the tentaculata, or a space jellyfish, a phenomenon caused by rocket launches which is sometimes mistaken for a UFO sighting. Conceptually it may draw from kaidan ghost stories, a Japanese form of storytelling where ghosts have historically been compared to balloons.

Most Interesting Pokédex Entry:

“Stories go that it grabs the hands of small children and drags them away to the afterlife. It dislikes heavy children.” - Sun

Most Recent Competitive Standings:

Smogon:

Gen 9: LC

VGC:

Name: Ambipom

Pronunciation: Am-Bee-Pom

Etymology: Ambi- (prefix meaning “both”) or Ambidextrous (proficient with using both hands) + Palm

Type: Normal

Design Origins:

Ambipom is based on a New World monkey, which is best known for its prehensile tail, a feature which is exaggerated in Ambipom by giving it hands at the ends of its tails. Visually it bears some resemblance to the iconic cymbal-bashing monkey toy, and it may also conceptually draw from the ahuizotl, a creature from Aztec mythology which has monkey hands and a fifth human hand on its tail.

Most Interesting Pokédex Entry:

“It uses its tails for everything. If it wraps both of its tails around you and gives you a squeeze, that’s proof it really likes you.” - Ultra Moon

Most Recent Competitive Standings:

Smogon:

Gen 9: PU

VGC:

Name: Gastrodon

Pronunciation: Gass-Troh-Dawn

Etymology: Gastropod + Don (Spanish for “lord”) or -don (common dinosaur suffix, derived from ancient Greek word for “tooth”)

Type: Water / Ground

Design Origins:

Gastrodon is based on a sea slug, specifically one from the Opisthobranchia order, or perhaps a sea hare, which are known to secrete a purple fluid for self defense. The tentacles on its head resemble the horns of a cow, possibly as a pun on “umiushi”, the Japanese word for sea slug which directly translates to “sea cow”. Its distinct split in colours is based on environmental adaptation.

Most Interesting Pokédex Entry:

“Long ago, it had a shell on its back. There’s now a vestigial plate on its back that’s hard but thin.” - Ultra Sun (West Sea Form)

“Fishers say that they didn’t see many of these Pokémon in the past, but this form of Gastrodon is now increasing in number.” - Violet (East Sea Form)

Most Recent Competitive Standings:

Smogon:

Gen 9: RU

VGC:

Orlando Regionals, USA (4/4/2026) - 67th

Name: Shellos

Pronunciation: Shell-Law-Ss

Etymology: Shell + Loss (referencing its lack of a shell) or -los (German suffix meaning “-less”)

Type: Water

Design Origins:

Shellos is based on a sea slug, it also resembles various species of nudibranch, a type of aquatic gastropod mollusc. Its ability to secrete a purple fluid is likely based on a sea hare, which secretes a purple ink in self defense. Recent Pokédex entries referencing a noticeable increase in one Shellos population while the other has decreased may be inspired by real world sea slug populations changing with climate change. Its distinct split in colours is based on environmental adaptation.

Most Interesting Pokédex Entry:

“It used to have a shell on its back long ago. This species is closely related to Pokémon like Shellder.” - Scarlet (West Sea Form)

“A recently published research paper states that this form of Shellos is gradually decreasing in number.” - Scarlet (East Sea Form)

Most Recent Competitive Standings:

Smogon:

Gen 9: LC

VGC: