“Le Chonk” became a widely recognized internet meme following the reveal of the Pokémon Lechonk. This phenomenon quickly captured widespread attention online. Its popularity highlighted a unique intersection of gaming culture and internet humor, showing how a single character design could spark a global conversation.
The Character: Lechonk
Lechonk was introduced as a new Pokémon for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet during a trailer released on June 1, 2022. This Normal-type Pokémon has a distinctive, rotund, pig-like appearance. Despite its plump physique, official descriptions state Lechonk’s body is primarily muscle, developed from constant foraging. It uses a keen sense of smell to locate berries and wild grasses, which results in its body emitting an herbal scent that repels Bug-type Pokémon.
Lechonk’s design features a grayish-black body with brown on its face and ears, and yellow growths beneath its eyes. Its droopy ears partially cover its eyes, and it has a triangular pink snout with large oval nostrils. Initial reactions highlighted its endearing visual characteristics, though its full meme potential was not yet realized.
The Rise of “Le Chonk”
The informal moniker “Le Chonk” originated almost immediately following Lechonk’s reveal. The internet community embraced the Pokémon’s perceived “chonkiness,” a term used online to describe endearingly plump animals. This playful interpretation resonated strongly with existing internet culture.
The term “Le Chonk” is a clever linguistic blend, combining “Le,” a French article, with “chonk,” an internet slang term. This wordplay was appealing, as the game’s Paldea region is inspired by the Iberian Peninsula, where “lechón” is a Spanish term for a roasted piglet, adding cultural relevance. Early viral moments occurred on platforms like Twitter, where an “Out of Context Pokémon” fan account’s tweet garnered over 122,000 likes within hours of the reveal. This rapid spread demonstrated the immediate appeal of the “Le Chonk” nickname, cementing its status as a burgeoning meme.
Cultural Phenomenon and Impact
The “Le Chonk” meme rapidly transcended its initial reveal to become a significant internet phenomenon. Its widespread popularity extended beyond the Pokémon fanbase, appearing in various forms of online content like fan art, merchandise, and social media trends.
The meme resonated strongly with audiences due to its cuteness and relatability. The appeal of “chonky” animals is a recurring theme in internet culture, and Lechonk fit this mold, despite official descriptions stating its physique is muscular. This humorous contrast fueled the meme’s spread, with many online users playfully ignoring the official lore in favor of the “chonky” interpretation. The simplicity and charm of “Le Chonk” made it easily shareable and adaptable across diverse online communities.
Beyond the Meme: Lechonk’s Role in the Game
Beyond its meme status, Lechonk functions as an early-game Normal-type Pokémon in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Players can find Lechonk in the East and South Provinces of Area 1. It evolves into Oinkologne at level 18, with its evolved form differing visually and in ability based on gender. Male Oinkologne have the abilities Gluttony or Lingering Aroma, while female Oinkologne have Aroma Veil. Lechonk also has a hidden ability, Thick Fat, which reduces damage from Fire- and Ice-type moves.
The “Le Chonk” meme quickly became a widely recognized phenomenon within the Pokémon franchise, following the reveal of Lechonk. This viral sensation gained traction online, showcasing how a single character could ignite a broad cultural conversation. Its emergence highlighted a unique blend of gaming and internet humor.
The Character: Lechonk
Lechonk was introduced as a new Pokémon for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet through a trailer released on June 1, 2022. This Normal-type Pokémon is notable for its distinct, rounded, pig-like appearance. Despite its plump physique, official descriptions clarify Lechonk’s body is primarily muscle, developed through consistent foraging. It uses a keen sense of smell to locate fragrant wild grasses and rich berries, emitting an herbal scent that deters Bug-type Pokémon.
Lechonk’s design features a grayish-black body, with brown coloration on its face and ears, and yellow tear-like growths beneath its eyes. Its droopy ears partially obscure its eyes, and it has a triangular pink snout with two large oval nostrils. Initial reactions focused on its endearing visual qualities, though its full potential as a meme had not yet materialized.
Beyond the Meme: Lechonk’s Role in the Game
Beyond its meme status, Lechonk functions as an accessible Normal-type Pokémon in early stages of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Players can encounter Lechonk in the East and South Provinces of Area 1. It evolves into Oinkologne at level 18, with the evolved form featuring visual and ability differences based on its gender. Male Oinkologne have Gluttony or Lingering Aroma, while female Oinkologne possess Aroma Veil. Lechonk also has a hidden ability, Thick Fat, which provides reduced damage from Fire- and Ice-type attacks.