Squirtle
/ˈskwɜːrtəl/noun
A fictional Water-type Pokémon resembling a small turtle.
Did you know?Squirtle’s name is a portmanteau of “squirt” and “turtle,” while its Japanese name, Zenigame, literally refers to a baby pond turtle.
Etymological Timeline
Late Middle English
English
squirt
“To eject liquid in a narrow stream; probably expressive or imitative in origin.”
13th Century
Old French
tortue
“Tortoise or turtle, from Latin tortūca.”
16th Century
English
turtle
“A turtle or tortoise, borrowed through French from Latin tortūca.”
1996
Japanese/English
Zenigame / Squirtle
“The Japanese Pokémon name Zenigame and the English name Squirtle were introduced in the Pokémon franchise; Squirtle blends “squirt” with “turtle.””
Modern English
English
Squirtle
“The species name of a fictional turtle-like Water-type Pokémon.”