Pokémon Nicknames: Spinda

Elaine doing “Teeter Dance” . Confused now?

Spinda (in Japanese: パッチール “Patcheel”) is a Normal-type Pokémon. Basically, Spinda is a spinning panda, however its ears are long enough for Spinda do be some type of rabbit. Spinda would make an adorable plushie.

Spinda does not evolve from or into any other Pokémon, but perhaps a future game will feature a “Mega-Evolution Spinda” with even more evolved dance moves!

It is interesting that no two Spinda have the exact same spots!

I suggest the name “Elaine” or “Benes” for female Spinda. You may remember the Elaine Benes character from the 1990s TV series Seinfeld. Elaine is a sophisticated New Yorker, who oddly has terrible dance moves. The joke is that she thinks she is a great dancer, but is clueless as to how awkward and embarrassing she really is. Here is a clip.

The awkward dancing is appropriate, because Spinda’s signature move is “Teeter Dance” which confuses all surrounding Pokémon. The move is great for triple battles, because Spinda will confuse all of the opponents. Be careful however, as your other two Pokémon will also become confused. Make sure your Pokémon have a Lum Berry or have an ability which negates confusion.

I also like the name “Shadowdancer”. I have also used the name “Spice Girl” after the dated British singing group The Spice Girls.

Oddly, I never found them to be the least bit sexy. I think I was just confused …

“Chubby” or “Checker” may also be good for males. The name of the famous 1950s singer with writers block. The story with Chubby Checker was that after he had a big hit with “The Twist”, he could only compose songs which sounded exactly like “The Twist”. His follow-up hit was called “Let’s Twist Again”, which used the same music as the original. All his music was made for twist-type dancing. I should not be too critical however. If I am ever in an awkward predicament where I must dance to a rock song — guess what I do.

I have also named Spinda “The Twist”. I think it works better if you leave “The” in. “Watusi” or “The Watusi” is another cute name for the 1960s dance.