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.

Flittle and Espathra — 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. Flittle This cute Psychic-type chick Pokémon has a name that combines “flitter” and “little”. It is covered in several layers of frills that sway back and forth while it floats in the air. … Read more

Rellor and Rabsca — 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. Rellor Rellor is a Bug-type Pokémon whose name is “Roller” backwards. This name lends itself well to its basis on a dung beetle. There are many kinds of dung beetle species but the … Read more

Capsakid and Scovillain — 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. Capsakid Capsakid is a Grass-type Pokémon based on a spicy pepper. Its name is a combination of “Capsaicin” and “Kid”. Capsaicin is the component of peppers that give it a burning sensation when … Read more

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