Nick Felker

I'm an engineer at Google. In my spare time, I've been an avid Pokemon fan since Gold & Silver, and have spent many long hours walking around New York City with Pokemon Go open on my phone.

Squawkabilly – Origin of Species

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In this recurring series, I’ll analyze the origins of Pokémon designs and their allusions to Mediterranean culture from Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet. This colorful bird’s name is a combination of “squawk” and “rockabilly“, a musical genre that was the precursor to rock-and-roll. Squawkabilly is a parrot based on the rockers, also known as greasers, … Read more

Smoliv, Doliv, Arboliva – Origin of Species

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In this recurring series, I’ll analyze the origins of Pokémon designs and their allusions to Mediterranean culture from Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet. Smoliv Smoliv is known as the Olive Pokémon, a unique Grass/Normal-type. Its name is a combination of “small” and “olive”. Its name also includes the online slang word “smol”, to imply it … Read more

Fidough and Dachsbun | Origin of Species

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In this recurring series, I’ll analyze the origins of Pokémon designs and their allusions to Mediterranean culture from Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet. Fidough Fidough is a cute Fairy-type Pokémon inspired by a dog, particularly the dachshund. Its body looks to be made of dough with an egg yolk glaze that hasn’t been baked yet. Its … Read more

Tandemaus and Maushold | Origin of Species

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In this recurring series, I’ll analyze the origins of Pokémon designs and their allusions to Mediterranean culture from Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet. Tandemaus Tandemaus appears early in the player’s Paldean journey. It, or rather they, are two mice who always appear together. Its name reflects this, a combination of “tandem” and “mouse”. The two … Read more

Pawmi, Pawmo, Pawmot | Origin of Species

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In this recurring series, I’ll analyze the origins of Pokémon designs and their allusions to Mediterranean culture from Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet. Pawmi Revealed as one of Nemona’s partners in a pre-release trailer to Scarlet and Violet, Pawmi fits the ongoing trope of an Electric-type rodent Pokemon. Its name is derived from a combination … Read more

Nymble and Lokix | Origin of Species

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In this recurring series, I’ll analyze the origins of Pokémon designs and their allusions to Mediterranean culture from Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet. Nymble Nymble is a small Bug-type Pokémon who appears in the tall grasses around Paldea. Its name is a combination of “nymph”, a premature insect, and “nimble”, for its athletic ability. It … Read more