10 Vocabulary Words Pokémon Taught Me

A better way to prepare for the verbal section of the SATs. Results not guaranteed.

1. Leer

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Pokémon, teaching us how to throw shade since 1996.

Usually means:

verb (used without object)

To look with a sideways or oblique glance, especially suggestive of lascivious interest or sly and malicious intention.

Pokémon definition:

The opposing team gains an intimidating leer with sharp eyes. The opposing team's Defense stats are reduced.

2. (Photo)synthesis

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Because healing yourself and making your own food is kinda like the same thing, right? ...right?

Usually means:

noun (biology, biochemistry)

The complex process by which carbon dioxide, water, and certain inorganic salts are converted into carbohydrates by green plants, algae, and certain bacteria, using energy from the sun and chlorophyll.

Pokémon definition:

Synthesis restores the user's current HP based on the weather conditions and time of day.

3. Guillotine

img4.wikia.nocookie.net

i.wyral.net

Looks painful.

Usually means:

noun

A device for beheading a person by means of a heavy blade that is dropped between two posts serving as guides; widely used during the French Revolution.

Pokémon definition:

A vicious, tearing attack with big pincers. The target will faint instantly if this attack hits.

4. Bide

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"'Cause I score before I ever throw the ball" —Nicki Minaj

Usually means:

verb (used with object), bided or bode; bided or (Archaic) bid; biding

To endure; bear.

Pokémon definition:

The user endures attacks for two turns, then strikes back double.

5. Thrash

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In case you’re wondering, Pokémon is rated G.

Usually means:

verb (used with object)

To beat soundly in punishment; flog.

Pokémon definition:

The user rampages about for two to three turns, then becomes confused.

6. Agility

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Agile + Ability = Agility?

Usually means:

noun

The power of moving quickly and easily; nimbleness.

Pokémon definition:

The user relaxes and lightens its body to move faster. This sharply raises the Speed stat.

7. Kinesis

Zerochan923600 / Via knazgle.deviantart.com

Talk about a distraction.

Usually means:

noun, (physiology)

The movement of an organism in response to a stimulus, as light.

Pokémon definition:

The user distracts the foe by bending a spoon. It may lower the target's accuracy.

8. Metronome

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You know…that thing that’s always on top of the piano.

Usually means:

noun

A mechanical or electrical instrument that makes repeated clicking sounds at an adjustable pace, used for marking rhythm, especially in practicing music.

Pokémon definition:

The user waggles a finger and stimulates the brain into randomly using nearly any move.

9. Submission

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Was Pokémon an inspiration for 50 Shades of Grey?

Usually means:

noun

The action or fact of accepting or yielding to a superior force or to the will or authority of another person.

Pokémon definition:

The user grabs the target and recklessly dives for the ground. It also hurts the user slightly.

10. Astonish

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Most effective if your enemy has a hangover.

Usually means:

verb (used with object)

To fill with sudden and overpowering surprise or wonder; amaze.

Pokémon definition:

The user attacks the foe while shouting in a startling fashion. It may also make the target flinch.