Pokémon Nicknames: Blitzle and Zebstrika

Credit goes to the artist.

Blitzle (in Japanese: シママ  “Shimama”) is an Electric-type Pokémon. The little electric zebra evolves into Zebstrika (in Japanese: ゼブライカ “Zebraika”) at level 27 where it remains an Electric-only type. There is no Mega-Evolution form as of yet.

All thanks to the artist : )

Blitzle and Zebstrika were always among my favorite Pokémon. The first Pokémon game which my son taught me to play was Black/White, where I played the White Version. Zebras are colored perfectly for a game called Black and White of course.  I have went back and played all the series now — my son picks one version, then I always get the other.

My female Zebstrika was my favorite Pokémon on my team. I named her “Mary Ellen” which is a name that does not have anything to do with zebras, or lightning. Instead I named her after a very strong, capable, and dependable woman I knew.

Credit goes only to the artist.

Generally, you want to choose “Z” words like “Zenith“. “Ladyland” refers to Jimi Hendrix’s “Electric Ladyland” the name of his studio and one of his greatest records.

If your Zebstrika has the “Lightning Rod” or “Motor Drive” abilities, perhaps use the name: “Start-Me-Up” after the Rolling Stones song. On that note, “Spark Plug” might be good for a little Blitzle. “Sparky” is cute, especially since the little one can learn “Spark” attack.

I thought about naming one “Greased Lightning” after the song from the musical “Grease”, but there are too many letters. Maybe just call it “Greased L“. Oy.

Does anyone remember drinking Zima? It zucked. I thought it tasted like Noxema. Ha Ha (1980s joke., copyright Denny). Actually, Zima is still sold in Japan by the Miller Brewing Company!

I know what you are thinking, you thought I was going to suggest a French-sounding zebra name like “Zee-Bra“, and then show various types of Zebra-patterned underwear.

Oh, how little you must think of me.

You might want to use Electric moves like Thunderbolt, Shockwave or Discharge. Alternatively, if you plan to super-train a higher Attack rather than Special Attack, I suggest the following — but Wild Charge has recoil, and thus should be partially replenished by a held item such as a Shell-Bell or Leftovers.

I was very happy to catch a SHINY Zebstrika at a Mirage Spot in Pokémon Omega Ruby. It is dark purple in color.

I named him “Ultraviolent” as a play on Ultra-Violet (purple).  Later, I changed his name to “Purple Haze” which was the name of a Jimi Hendrix song (and was also the name of the blotter-acid popular with the burn-outs in my old high school).

Credit goes to this lovely cosplayer and her photographer.

When you hear thunder and see lightning, does that mean that the Gods are bowling? Perhaps use a name like “Striker“!

Lightning related terms like “Dart-Leader”, “Strokes”  or “Thunderclap” might be fun if you are a meteorology geek. Zebstrika can learn  the TM “Flash“, so you could name it “Hot Flash” or some variation. Perhaps use something Thor-related if you are a Marvel geek.

I did not find a lot of names I liked from The Name Rater’s Site (link here). However, I did like the suggestions “Zapidash“, “Haywire“, and “Blitzkrieg“. Zapidash is a cute variation on Rapidash. I would like to see a Rapidash/Zebstrika or a Ponyta/Blitzle on a double-battle team.

Blitzkrieg translates from German as “Lightning War”. The term refers to the German armies which quickly smashed into their neighboring countries during World War II. Along the lines of the WW II German Blitzkrieg reference, perhaps another historic name could be “Sieg Sieg” or some variation. (Note to readers: Please only make Nazi references if you have an academic interest in history.)

The twin lightning bolts of the Nazi SS. Credit goes to … oh, shit, they can sue me.

The SS Bolts are a hated symbol. The twin bolts have made their way into some stylized calligraphy in pop culture however (ex. The KISS logo, among others). The symbol is derived from the SchutzStaffel (SS) of Nazi Germany. You really have to be careful with your historical references, as there are so many politically-correct jackasses out there (which includes 90% of all college students, and 99% of all college professors).

What electrifying name would you suggest for a zebra? Please comment!

References:

http://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Main_Page

http://www.serebii.net/

Google, you know the rest.

Pokémon Nicknames: Farfetch’d

Farfetch’d (in Japanese: カモネギ  “Kamonegi”) is the “Wild Duck” Pokémon. It is a NORMAL-and-FLYING type, but does not evolve into or from any other Pokémon. I think that Farfetch’d looks somewhat like a mallard, but there is no distinction between male and female coloration among this Pokémon species.

This description is a direct quote from Bulbapedia:

“Farfetch’d resembles a brown duck with a white underbelly. It has a yellow beak and a V-shaped, black marking on its forehead. It has wings as big as its body, which appear to be prehensile enough to substitute for hands. It has yellow legs with webbed feet.

Farfetch’d is always seen carrying a leek stalk or spring onion. It carries it in its wings, and sometimes chooses to hold it in its beak or feet instead. Unable to live without its stick, Farfetch’d will defend the stalk with its life. Known uses for the stick include use as a weapon, nesting material, and emergency food source. It is selective about which sticks it will use, and has been known to fight over good ones. Farfetch’d is found in grasslands.”

One could probably re-cycle names for other duck Pokémon. If you have cute names for Psyduck, Golduck or Ducklett, they might apply here. (e.g. “Quakers” or “Quacker Oats“, or names like “Cold Duck” after the cheap wine popular with alcoholics.*) 

My favorite name for Farfetch’d is “Funyuns” after the famous onion-rings snack by the Frito-Lay Company. Farfetch’d carries that “stick” I thing, but I think that it looks like an onion stalk.

Plus, Farfetch’d is a silly, fun Pokémon, so it fits. This name will also work with male or females.

Of course the stick can be the basis of various names. I have named Farfetch’d “Leeks” because the stick does resemble a leek used for French cooking.

Thus, I have named them “Take-A-Leek”.

Be advised however that the phrase “take a leak” means that you intend to steal a mirror if one is in Bermuda.

I can’t really see who you are under that mask sir … er … ‘mam?

How about “Roosevelt” ? … as this duck quacks softly, but carries a big stick. How about “Walking Tall” after that movie sheriff  who carried a stick. Maybe make that “Quackin’Tall” … perhaps. You can make other names based on the stick/onion. “Rhythm Stick” as in the Ian Dury’s song “Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick”.

“Love-A-Duck” might be cool, this name would be based on the Tuesday Weld movie “Lord Love A Duck”.

I also like to use “Why-A-Duck” after the famous comedy routine in the Marx Brothers “Cocoanuts” movie. “Duck Soup” is another Marx Brothers reference.

“Duck Calls” might be a good name for a duck Yes, I know what you are thinking: “Denny, Why not use the name “Dynasty” or “Duck Dynasty” after that reality TV show?” I will admit, that family made some pretty good looking duck calls. I’m not much of a hunter, but I would not mind having this set.

Blow just right to make the best “Quack-Quack”.

My all time favorite “Duck Call” were the “Miss America Duck Calls” marketed by Penthouse magazine in 1984. The American singer and actress Vanessa Williams is famous because she was the first African-American to win the Miss America pageant. Ms. Williams is arguably in-famous however because she had her title and crown stripped away from her after nude photos of her were published in Penthouse magazine. She had signed a “morals” contract with the pageant, where she stated that she had never had nude photos taken. Thus she was removed. Now these were not just nudes. The photos also include lesbian sexual activity – including the famous “Miss America Duck Calls” shot here. (The other photos are linked here, if you are over 18.)

Blow just right to make the best “Quack-Quack”

How many Miss America’s have became famous however? Although she was embarrassed, Ms. Williams’ career was likely stimulated by the publicity. That’s how I remember it …  which might not be accurate …

… as I was drunk much of the mid-1980s : (

Ahem … oh yeah, What is the name for your duck? Please comment!

*Yup, that IS the pot calling the kettle black alright. 

Pokémon Nicknames: Pachirisu

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Pachirisu — in Japanese also “Pachirisu”  パチリス is an ELECTRIC-type Pokémon. It does not evolve — at least not so far.  Maybe it will Mega-evolve in a future game. I know that they are not very powerful, but I have always enjoyed this Sinnoh-region native.  I like one on my team, especially in the early part of a Diamond & Pearl adventure.  I like electric types in general, and besides he/she is so CUTE!

I named my Pachiritsu “GiGi” after the famous movie-musical, which won the Oscar for Best Picture in 1958. Trailer linked here. 

Yes, that movie is very “gay” — but not in THAT way!

“Thank Heaven for Little Girls”:  French actress Leslie Caron is “GiGi”!

I only keep Pachirisu if it has the “PickUp ability”.  When GiGi finds an item, I always say “you good girl”.

Thank heaven for little squirrels!

I have nicknamed several Pachirisu.  It is a cute Pokemon, so I always give it a “cutsey ” nickname, like “Sparky” or “Mr. Chips”.   Here are some more examples.

“Chi Chi” – after the Mexican Restaurant Chi-Chi’s.

Buy this restaurant property. Please.

“Pocky” – after the snack sticks popular with otaku.

“Puccho” – after the Japanese candy chews.  See this old Puccho candy commercial by AKB48.

Everyone loves Puccho! 

Pokémon Nicknames: Tentacool and Tentacruel

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Today we will consider the two Jellyfish Pokémon.

Tentacool (in Japanese: メノクラゲ “Menokurage”) is a WATER-POISON dual type Pokémon.  It evolves into Tentacruel starting at level 30.

Tentacruel (in Japanese: ドククラゲ “Dokukurage” ) is also a dual-type WATER-POISON Pokémon.  They can be either male, or female, but I can see no difference in appearance.

I nicknamed a Tentacool “Joe Cool” after the dress-up outfit sometimes worn by the Peanuts comic strip character Snoopy.

You could name this jellyfish Pokémon “K-Y” but maybe that is just being too weird …

Tentacool has cool tentacles.  My idiot ex-brother-in-law once said they were “testicles”, but he was a stupid jackass … and I digress.

Tentacruel will use its tentacles and be cruel to you. … as “the Jesus of Cool” … Nick Lowe would attest: “You have to be cruel to be kind”.

I named one “NICK LOWE”, and  another “Cruel2BKind”.

I think that Man-O-War after the Portuguese Man-Of-War battleship, and the jellyfish named after it.

In general, I have fewer Female Tentacruel nicknames, but here is some good lady jellyfish cosplay:

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I know that “Tentacle” videos are a part of Japanese Culture, but I will not go there today.

I hate encountering a Tentacruel.  They are a status problem just waiting to happen.  I do not even care about the training points gained by defeating them.

Tentacruels could just be named after mean people you might know – a mean boss or the like.  “MotherInLaw” is one possiblility. All the POISON moves, plus binding moves like WRAP are appropriate.

I have named some female Tentacruel “SoulSucker”. You kids may be too young for this, and hopefully you will never be in a bad relationship, where the other person, SUCKS ALL THE JOY OUT OF LIFE …  WHERE EVERYTHING YOU DO IS NEVER GOOD ENOUGH …  THEY TAKE EVERYTHING YOU HAVE, AND EVERYTHING YOU EVER WILL HAVE …  THEY TAKE YOUR GREATEST ASPIRATIONS … THEN CRUSH  ALL YOUR HOPES AND DREAMS … AND LEAVE YOU A HUDDLED, PATHETIC, SHIVERING MASS OF YOUR FORMER SELF …

Oh. … er … ah –hem … sorry.

Now where did I put that jelly?

Pokémon Nicknames: Skiddo and Gogoat

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Good Lord Almighty … she is beautiful!

Skiddo (Japanese: メェークル “Meecle”) and Gogoat (Japanese: ゴーゴート “Gogoat”) are two of the best additions to the list of Pokémon. Although, they are not the most powerful new spirits for X and Y, these two GRASS-type Pokémon are exactly the flavor the game series needed.

 

Skiddo and Gogoat wallpaper

Skiddo “evolves” into Gogoat at level 32.  Oddly, not level 23.  Many have named Skiddo “23 Skiddo” after the early 20^th century American expression. I will not use that name.

I named one Skiddo “G.T.O.” after the Pontiac GTO.  I also name them “Gran Turismo”, although simply “Turismo” might also be a cool name.

I had a high school friend who had a Pontiac Lemans GTO similar to the above photo.  He referred to it as the “Goat”.  This is not an insult.  Owners of the Pontiac GTO proudly call their car a “Goat” and meetings of Pontiac enthusiasts may call their auto shows a “Gathering of the Goats.”

Wait, not THAT kind of goat lover …

Giovanni BattistaTiepolo “Female Satyr with Tambourine, Child and a Putto” (1742)

It is hotly contested amongst Goat-lovers, but the Pontiac GTO name is probably based on the Ferrari 250 Gran Turismo Omologato.  The term refers to a particular category of European race tracks.  If a car has the GTO label, it is theoretically qualified to race in that class of automobile racing.  “Omologato” is sometimes used as Italian slang for goat.

Mario’s rules for Italian driving: “watt-sa behind me, she-a already a gone”

Critics claim that GTO stood for “Gas, Tires, Oil”, all of which both the Pontiac and the Ferrari used in large quantities.  Unless cartoons were lying to me when I was growing up, goats will eat anything — even tin cans and the like.  Maybe General Motors should bring back a hybrid/flex-fuel vehicle and call it “the Goat.”

It is reasonable to give an automobile moniker to a Skiddo/Gogoat as these Pokémon may be ridden in Kalos. You can gallop around on a Skiddo at the Skiddo Ranch, or you may rise the Gogoat Service in Limiose City.

I sometimes cruise around the cities of Kalos on my Gogoat while I listen to the Ramones.  Just listen to this link:

Well the girls out there knock me out you know/cruisin’ around in my GTO…I hate the teachers and the principal/Don’t want to taught to be no fool ..

Fun, Fun, Oh Baby … really takes be back … but alas, I digress once more …

Of course, names like “Capricorn” might be good.  “Serow” may be good if you are a Japan-philatelic-ophile, as these beasts are wild Japanese goats (see stamp).

“Grassmunch” may be a name if you are feeling playful, but that is just a joke.  (I could not get “ass” past the new censorship algorithm in XY, so I had to use the triangle-symbol in place of the “a”.)

Gogoat NO! You are munching the wrong grass!

“Billy” might be OK for a male Skiddo, as in the word “Billy Goat”

I like the name “Headcheese” after “Goat’s head cheese” if you can stomach that deli item!

“Nanny” may might be OK for a female Gogoat. A female might also be called “Baaabara” although this name might be better for sheep.

It may be a mega-obtuse reference, but you could call a Gogoat “BowlingScore” after the well known folk song:

“My goat knows the bowling score, Hallelujah.”.

Pokémon Nicknames: Kakuna

Kakuna is a dual-type BUG-POISON Pokémon. ( The name is based on the Japanese word for Cocoon  コクーン  )

I nicknamed a Kakuna “Kahlua” after the wonderful Rum and Coffee and Chocolaty-tasting alcoholic beverage.

Unless you are obessed with bug-type pokemon, you probably do not have a Kakuna in your team.   The only moves it knows is “Harden” which if you are a man over 50, may sound like a great move, but in fact is pretty useless in the field.  It knows some bug/poison moves but thse are only from its pre-evolved form Weedle. Fortunately, Kakuna soon evolves into Beedrill at level 10.

Kakuna looks like it has a clip on tie.  Very dapper-looking actually.  Not like me — after I’ve had a few “White Russions”.

So enjoy your Kahlua while you can. Just be responsible!!!  Not like what happened to my idol Minami Minegeshi here:

Mii-chan claims: “I’m not as THRUNK as you DINK!”

Kakuna looks like a dapper little guy. His thorax looks like he is wearing a tie. I sometimes will name him “Dapper Don” after the Don Draper character from “Mad Men”. Of course Don drank a lot of liquor on the show.

I sometimes use the name “Pardon Me” after that famous 1980s catch-phrase  “Pardon me – Harden me”. Of course the only move Kakuna can learn is “HARDEN.”

 If you are over 21, you may click on the Kahlua website linked here.

Please share your favorite Kahlua mixed drink recipe in the Comments area below.