Appendix:Metagame terminology

The Pokémon metagame has a wide range of fanmade terminology for various aspects of the games. These are colloquial terms originating from unofficial sources, and are not found within the games themselves.

General terms

6V

Refers to a Pokémon with perfect/maximum individual values in all stats.

Baton Pass chain

Refers to continuous use of the move Baton Pass and the accumulated stat changes.

BST

An abbreviation for base stat total.

Buff

When properties of a Pokémon's stats, movepool, or Ability are changed between games to become more viable. For instance, in Generation VII, Pelipper and Torkoal has the access of Ability Drizzle and Drought, respectively.

Choice lock

Refers to how the held items Choice Band, Choice Scarf, and Choice Specs limit a Pokémon to use only one of its moves. A Pokémon is said to be "Choice locked" into a specific move if forced to use it by a Choice item.

Clause

Clauses refer to the various rules that are applied to battles, such as restrictions on which Pokémon, moves, and items may be used. Many of these rules are found in the games, applied in settings such as battle facilities and multiplayer features.

Endless battle clause

Refers to a ban on sets such as Funbro that have the capability of causing a battle with no possible ending. Found in some unofficial formats such as Smogon and Pokémon Online.

Evasion clause

Refers to a ban on moves that raise evasion (such as Double Team). Does not necessarily put a ban on moves that reduce accuracy (such as Sand-Attack) or moves/Abilities that merely have a possibility of raising evasion (such as Acupressure/Moody).

Flinch clause

Refers to technical measures to prevent a Pokémon from flinching twice in a row. Found in Pokémon Conquest and some battle simulators.

Freeze clause

Refers to technical measures taken in order to prevent multiple Pokémon on the same team from being frozen at the same time. Found in games like Pokémon Stadium and battle simulators like Pokémon Online.

Item clause

Refers to a ban on multiple Pokémon of the same team holding the same item. Found in battle facilities and officially organized tournaments, but widely ignored in many large communities.

Sleep clause

Refers to a ban on the usage of sleep-inducing moves when one of the opponent's Pokémon has already been put to sleep by one of the user's Pokémon. As such, the move Rest and the Ability Effect Spore do not violate this ban. Found in Pokémon Battle Revolution and battle simulators like Pokémon Showdown and Pokémon Online.

Cores

Refers to a team-building and battling strategy that involves the natural offensive and defensive synergy between certain types, usually requires 3 Pokémon with different types. Examples include Fire/Water/Grass core, Steel/Fairy/Dragon core, and Fighting/Psychic/Dark core.

Dry pass

Using the move Baton Pass despite not having any stat boosts. Used to scout out the opponent's switches.

Entry hazard

Main article: List of moves that cause entry hazards

Entry hazard is any battlefield effect that affects the opposing Pokémon as they are sent in the battle.

EVs/IVs

An abbreviation for effort values and individual values.

Four moveslot syndrome

A trait a Pokémon possesses if it has more than four equally or similarly viable unique options outside of STAB attacks. Also referred as "4MSS".

Hax

Refers to outcomes that are perceived as unlikely to the point of being unfair. Common targets are critical hits, moves missing, being frozen, the success of secondary effects, and full paralysis. Can also refer to reliance on uncertain outcomes, such as the use of one-hit knockout moves or held items like Quick Claw, Focus Band, or BrightPowder. Hax is often associated with the moves Double Team and Minimize, as well as the Ability Serene Grace.

HO

Refers to hyper offense, or heavy offense, which is a team-building and battling strategy intended to overwhelm the opponent with offensive pressure.

HP <type>

Refers to the move Hidden Power and its type (e.g. HP Ice, HP Fire).

Starting in VGC 2017, players are required to note their Pokémon's Hidden Power move as "HP (<type>)" on team sheets.

IV battle

Refers to a battle held solely for the purpose of observing the stats of one or more Pokémon as they appear when set to a higher level for the duration of the battle, thus making it easier to estimate the Pokémon's individual values.

Mono team

Refers to a team with homogeneity in a certain area such as type, color, or generation.

Nerf

When properties of a Pokémon, move, or Ability are changed between games to become weaker. For instance, Thunderbolt, Flamethrower, Surf, and Ice Beam were all nerfed from 95 to 90 Base Power in the transition from Gen V to Gen VI.

Pinch Berry

Refers to the Liechi, Ganlon, Salac, Petaya, Apicot, Lansat, and Starf Berries, which all raise a stat when the holding Pokémon's HP drops below ¼ (referred to as being in a pinch in the games). The Micle and Custap Berries may also be considered Pinch Berries.

Pseudo-legendary Pokémon

Main article: Pseudo-legendary Pokémon

Refers to the Pokémon Dragonite, Tyranitar, Salamence, Metagross, Garchomp, Hydreigon, Goodra and Kommo-o.

Residual damage

Damage taken by a Pokémon without having been attacked, whether by recoil (via Life Orb or moves that have recoil), weather (hail or sandstorm), status conditions (poison or burn), and/or entry hazards. Also referred as "passive damage".

Redirection

Refers to a tactic in Double Battle that uses moves or Abilities to force opponents to target a specific Pokémon, usually via Follow Me or Rage Powder, but also includes the moves Spotlight and Z-Destiny Bond or the Abilities Lightning Rod or Storm Drain.

Setter

Refers to battling strategy involves the field effects that affect specific Pokémon in the battle, such as weather, terrain, Trick Room, or Gravity. "Auto Setter" refers to a Pokémon with the Ability that changes the weather or terrain, as soon as a Pokémon with the said Ability enters the battle, without wasting a turn.

Spam

Refers to repeated use of the same move or Pokémon.

Speed control

Refers to a tactic in Double Battle that uses moves or Abilities to increase the player's Pokémon's Speed or decrease their opponent's Speed in order to move first. This strategy is usually achieved via Tailwind, Icy Wind, or Electroweb. Trick Room is also occasionally referred to as Speed control.

Spread

Refers to how a Pokémon's effort values and individual values are spread across its stats. Also referred as "investment".

Spread move

In Double Battles, damaging moves that target all other Pokémon or all opponent's Pokémon.

STAB

An abbreviation for same-type attack bonus.

Standard rules

Refer to a set of widely employed rules for unofficial multiplayer battles. A Single Battle, with the species, sleep, and evasion clauses, as well as bans on hacks, one-hit knockout moves, and Pokémon in the (abided) Uber tier.

Sub-legendary Pokémon

Refers to the Legendary Pokémon that generally allowed in the official competitive play. These Pokémon include Articuno, Zapdos, Moltres, Raikou, Entei, Suicune, Regirock, Regice, Registeel, Latias, Latios, Uxie, Mesprit, Azelf, Heatran, Regigigas, Cresselia, Cobalion, Terrakion, Virizion, Tornadus, Thundurus, and Landorus.

Team Preview

A pre-battle session where the players will be able to see the species of the 6 Pokémon the own and the opponent has on their team. Officially introduced in Generation V.

Tier

Main article: Tier

Theorymon

Discussing the metagame hypothetically. Includes discussions such as Pokémon having access to certain moves or Abilities they do not officially have.

Type coverage

Refers to how the types of damage-dealing moves known by a Pokémon match up against all 18 types and their many combinations in terms of effectiveness.

Pokémon sets

Refer to Pokémon not only by species, but also by their stats, moves, Ability, and held item.

Common roles

Within competitive battling, there are a number of categories that are used to describe the intended role of a Pokémon set.

Annoyer

Refers to a Pokémon set that is intended to prevent the opponent from progressing with their strategy, commonly through the use of status moves and status conditions. Also referred as "disruptor".

AV/WP

Refers to a Pokémon set that includes the held item Assault Vest or Weakness Policy.

Baton Passer

Refers to a Pokémon set that is intended to use the move Baton Pass in order to pass on positive stat changes and/or volatile battle statuses, which it may or may not have contributed to itself. "Subpasser" refers to a Pokémon set that is intended to create a substitute by using Substitute and pass it on to an ally by using Baton Pass.

BoltBeam

Refers to the moves Thunderbolt and Ice Beam being present in a Pokémon set, and the resulting offensive type synergy. "Pseudo BoltBeam" refers to a damage-dealing Electric-type move and a damage-dealing Ice-type move being present in a Pokémon set, when these are not the exact combination of Thunderbolt and Ice Beam (usually an Electric-type Pokémon with an Ice-type Hidden Power).

Bulky

Refers to a Pokémon set that, due to its combination of HP and Defense and/or Special Defense, takes a comparatively low percentage of damage from physical moves, special moves or both.

Check

Refers to a Pokémon set that has an advantage over another Pokémon set such that it can easily defeat that other Pokémon or force it to switch out. A check differs from a counter in that a check cannot switch in then threaten the Pokémon.

ChestoResto

Refers to the move Rest and the held item Chesto Berry being present in a Pokémon set. Also referred to as RestoChesto.

Choice user

Refers to a Pokémon set holding the item Choice Band, Choice Scarf, or Choice Specs. Branched into numerous terms such as "Choiced", "Banded" "Scarfed", "Specced", "Choice", "Band", "Scarf", "Specs", "CB" <Pokémon>.

Cleric

Refers to a Pokémon set that is intended to restore the HP and/or cure the status conditions of its allies, through the use of status moves like Wish, Heal Bell, and Aromatherapy.

Counter

Refers to a Pokémon set that has an advantage over another Pokémon set such that it can switch into an attack from that other Pokémon and easily defeat it or force it to switch out. A counter differs from a check in that a counter can switch into an attack and still threaten the Pokémon.

DD/SD

Refers to a Pokémon set that includes the move Dragon Dance or Swords Dance. Also occasionally referred to as a "Double Dancer".

Decoy

Refers to a Pokémon that is knocked out as part of the course of action chosen by its Trainer in the given battle situation. Also referred to as "Death Fodder".

Disquake

Refers to the Double Battle combination of one or more (Flying/Levitating Electric-type) Pokémon sets that include Discharge with one or more (Ground-type) Pokémon sets that include Earthquake, and the resulting defensive and offensive type synergy.

Dual Screen

Refers to a Pokémon set that includes the moves Light Screen and Reflect.

EdgeQuake

Refers to the moves Stone Edge and Earthquake being present in a Pokémon set, and the resulting offensive type synergy. "Pseudo EdgeQuake" refers to a damage-dealing Rock-type move and a damage-dealing Ground-type move being present in a Pokémon set, when these are not the exact combination of Stone Edge and Earthquake (such as Earth Power and Power Gem).

Endureversal

Refers to a Pokémon set that includes the moves Endure and Reversal or Flail. May be assisted through the use of a Focus Sash, Salac Berry, or Liechi Berry. There are many similar strategies, including F.E.A.R.

F.E.A.R.

Main article: Appendix:F.E.A.R.

Refers to a Pokémon set with a comparatively low HP stat, holding a Focus Sash, with the move Endeavor and a damage-dealing move with increased priority. Some variations use the Ability Sturdy instead of Focus Sash.

F.E.A.R. counter

A Pokémon meant to prevent F.E.A.R. from working properly. Common F.E.A.R. counters are Ghost-type Pokémon and Pokémon with Sand Stream or Snow Warning.

Glass cannon

Refers to a Pokémon set with comparatively high Attack and/or Special Attack that, due to its combination of HP and Defense/Special Defense, takes a comparatively high percentage of damage from damage-dealing moves.

Lead

Refers to a Pokémon set that is sent out first, or one of the Pokémon sets that is commonly sent out first.

Anti-lead

Refers to a Pokémon set that is sent out first, intended to foil the Pokémon sets that are commonly sent out first.

Attack lead

Refers to a Pokémon set that is sent out first, intended to foil the Pokémon sets that are commonly sent out first through the use of damage-dealing moves supported by a high Attack or Special Attack stat.

Suicide lead

Refers to a Pokémon set that is sent out first, including a comparatively high Speed stat, one or more moves that cause entry hazards, and the held item Focus Sash or the Ability Sturdy.

LO

Refers to a Pokémon set that includes the held item Life Orb.

Mighty glacier

Refers to a Pokémon with comparatively high stats in everything except Speed.

Mixed

Refers to a Pokémon set that includes both physical and special moves

Paraflincher

Refers to a Pokémon set that is capable of inducing paralysis and causing flinching. Often combined with Serene Grace to increase the likelihood of flinching.

Parafusion

Refers to a Pokémon set that is capable of inducing paralysis and causing confusion.

PerishTrap

Refers to a Pokémon set that includes the moves Perish Song and a trapping move or Ability such as Mean Look or Shadow Tag. This is intended to trap the opponent and use Perish Song, keeping them trapped until they faint from Perish Song.

Phazer

Refers to a Pokémon set that is intended to eliminate an opponent's Pokémon's positive stat changes and/or other beneficial effects without using Haze. One approach is to force the opponent's Pokémon to be sent back, by using Roar, Whirlwind, Circle Throw, or Dragon Tail. Another approach is to pressure the opponent to call back their Pokémon, by using status moves with disadvantageous effects that can be removed through switching (such as Leech Seed, Perish Song, or Yawn).

Originally referred to as a pseudo-hazer, it has since been shortened to PHazer, and now commonly formatted simply phazer. Is similar to shuffler.

Pivot

Refers to a Pokémon that is generally only used for switching due to its solid defensive stats and typing.

Powerhouse

Refers to a Pokémon species that due to its stats, type(s), Ability, and movepool, merits usage without much regard to the team it is put on, being capable of doing good on most teams as a stand-alone Pokémon.

Pseudo-passer

Refers to a Pokémon set that is intended to aid its allies directly through the use of status moves with beneficial effects (such as Wish, Light Screen, or Reflect), but without using Baton Pass. Often referred to as a "Wish Passer".

Rest Talker

Refers to a Pokémon set that includes the moves Rest and Sleep Talk. Also referred to as a "Sleep Talker" or a "STalker".

Revenge killer

Refers to a Pokémon set that is intended to knock out opposing Pokémon without preparation by timing the free switch-in that is granted when an ally is knocked out. It is typically tailored torwards getting to move first, by including one or more damage-dealing moves with increased priority and/or a comparatively high Speed stat (achieved with or without the held item Choice Scarf). This aspect of Pokémon battling is highlighted in the games in the form of the move Retaliate.

Scarf Trick

Refers to a Pokémon set with the held item Choice Scarf and the move Trick or Switcheroo.

Scouting

Refers to a battle strategy that uses the protection moves to ease prediction and retain momentum for a team. Also used for various battle strategies, such as a Pokémon with the held item Toxic Orb/Burn Orb to activate its Guts Ability and a Pokémon with the Ability Speed Boost or Moody.

Scout lead

A lead that uses U-turn or Volt Switch to send in a Pokémon without missing a chance to inflict damage. Scout leads often work well with Choice items.

Sashed

Refers to the held item Focus Sash being present in a Pokémon set.

Sash/Sub Breaker

Refers to the a Pokémon set that is intended to break the opponent's protection behind Focus Sash, substitute, or Sturdy, usually by using multi-strike moves, Fake Out, or Pokémon with the Ability such as Mold Breaker.

Shuffler

Refers to a Pokémon set that is intended to force the opponent's Pokémon to be sent back, by using Roar, Whirlwind, Circle Throw, or Dragon Tail. "Status shuffler" refers to a Pokémon set that is intended to inflict status conditions on multiple opposing Pokémon, and cause multiple switches from the opponent in order to achieve this end. Is similar to phazer.

Spinner

Refers to a Pokémon set that includes the move Rapid Spin, which is used to remove moves that cause entry hazards.

Status absorber

Refers to Pokémon that can prevent, remove, or use to its advantage one or more status conditions, usually by using the certain type, move combination, or specific Abilities.

SturdyJuice

Refers to a low-level Pokémon set that includes the Ability Sturdy and the held item Berry Juice, with the Pokémon usually having maximum HP of 21 or less. A common and popular strategy in Little Cup competitions.

Stallbreaker

A Pokemon that immediately threatens stall not for breaking down walls, rather for preventing the Pokémon found on those teams from executing their standard strategies, thus hindering or entirely shutting down the defensive team.

Staller

Refers to a Pokémon set that is intended to force a standstill in order to enjoy its advantages, which may include recurring effect damage to opposing Pokémon (such as from certain status conditions or types of weather). This may be achieved through the use of moves/held items/Abilities that restore HP and/or moves like Protect, usually combined with stats and type(s) that minimize the percentage of damage taken from damage-dealing moves.

Suicide Spiker/Rocker

Refers to a Pokémon set that includes one or more moves that cause entry hazards and the move Explosion.

Seeder

Refers to a Pokémon set that includes the move Leech Seed. "Subseeder" refers to a Pokémon set that includes the moves Substitute and Leech Seed.

Smash Pass

Refers to the stat changes caused by Shell Smash being passed on to an ally via Baton Pass.

Spinblocker

Refers to a Ghost-type Pokémon that is intended to prevent opposing Pokémon from successfully using Rapid Spin.

Sub CM

Refers to the moves Substitute and Calm Mind being present in a Pokémon set.

SubCoil

Refers to a Pokémon set that includes the moves Substitute and Coil.

SubDisable

Refers to a Pokémon set that includes the moves Substitute and Disable.

Subpuncher

Refers to a Pokémon set that includes the moves Substitute and Focus Punch.

SubSplit

Refers to a Pokémon, typically with a low HP stat, whose set that includes the moves Substitute and Pain Split. After creating a substitute, the Pokémon regains their HP by using Pain Split on the opponent.

Subsweeper

Refers to a Pokémon set that typically includes the move Substitute and three attacking moves.

Supporter

Refers to a Pokémon set who uses non-offensive moves which benefit the team.

Sunnybeamer

Refers to a Pokémon set that is intended to use Solar Beam under harsh sunlight.

SwagPlay

Refers to a Pokémon set that includes the moves Swagger and Foul Play.

Sweeper

Refers to a Pokémon set that is intended to knock out opposing Pokémon in succession, usually through the assistance of positive stat changes. Commonly branched into the categories physical sweeper, special sweeper, and mixed sweeper, depending on its stats and damage-dealing moves. "Cleaner" is often referred as sweeper, but sometimes is also used for the late game or sweeping the opponent's remaining team.

Tank

Refers to a Pokémon set that, due to its combination of HP and Defense and/or Special Defense, takes a comparatively low percentage of damage from physical moves or special moves or both, while at the same time posing a threat in the form of damage-dealing moves backed by a comparatively high Attack or Special Attack stat. Is similar to a wall.

Thunderdancer

Refers to a Pokémon set that includes the moves Thunder and Rain Dance.

Trapper

Refers to a Pokémon set that is intended to prevent opposing Pokémon from switching out, through the effects of various status moves, damage-dealing moves, or Abilities, and take advantage of the situation.

Utility

Refers to a Pokemon who is capable of performing a large variety of tasks based on the team requires. This Pokémon is usually have decent base stats, useful Ability, and wide movepool.

VoltTurn

Refers to the combination of one or more Pokémon sets that include Volt Switch with one or more Pokémon sets that include U-turn.

Wall

Also known as a "sponge", this term refers to a Pokémon set that, due to its combination of HP and Defense and/or Special Defense, takes a comparatively low percentage of damage from physical moves or special moves or both. Commonly branched into the categories physical wall, special wall, and mixed wall, depending on its stats. Is similar to a tank.

Wallbreaker

An offensively oriented Pokémon meant specifically for crushing walls rather than sweeping, usually done with powerful offensive stats and use both physical and special moves in their moveset.

Wonderbuster

Prior to Generation VI, refers to a Pokémon that can counter Wondereye and Wondertomb. Usually includes a type-changing move and a move that is super effective against it (e.g. a Lanturn with Soak and Thunderbolt).

Species-specific sets

Agiligross

Refers to a Metagross set that includes the move Agility, Meteor Mash, and two other attacking moves.

Bellyzard

Refers to a Charizard set that includes the move Belly Drum, the Ability Blaze, and an HP stat that is divisible by 4. It is commonly assisted by a Salac Berry and/or the move Substitute. It has fallen out of favor since Generation IV due to Stealth Rock.

BellyJet

Refers to a Azumarill set that includes the move Belly Drum and Aqua Jet. Due to a change in Egg Move mechanics, it first became possible in Generation VI (although both moves were individually available for Azumarill in previous generations).

Calmcune

Refers to a Suicune set that includes the move Calm Mind, commonly assisted by Rest.

Chainchomp

Refers to a Garchomp set that includes special moves backed by high Special Attack and Speed stats.

CopyRoar

Refers to a Riolu set that includes the moves Copycat and Roar and the Ability Prankster. This strategy is accompanied with a Pokémon with entry hazard moves.

This setup requires Riolu to use the move Copycat with +1 priority after using Roar in the previous turn, which calls a move Roar that force the opponent's Pokémon to be sent back. Repeating this process, it wear down the opposing team due to the entry hazards.

Starting in Generation VI, Copycat can no longer call the move Roar. Players speculate that this was changed to specifically prevent this strategy.

Crocune

Refers to a Suicune set that includes the moves Calm Mind, Rest, Sleep Talk, and a special move.

Critdra

Refers to a Kingdra set that includes the Ability Sniper, the move Focus Energy, and the held item Scope Lens. Due to change of increased critical hit rate in Generation VI, the combination of Scope Lens and Focus Energy results a guaranteed critical hit.

Curselax

Refers to a Snorlax set that includes the moves Curse and Rest.

Drizzletoed

Refers to a Politoed set that includes the Ability Drizzle.

Droughttales

Refers to a Ninetales set that includes the Ability Drought.

Funbro

Refers to a Slowbro with the moves Block, Heal Pulse, Recycle, and Slack Off, holding a Leppa Berry. This combination allows it to extend a non-timed battle indefinitely, leaving the opponent no recourse except to disconnect. Since all link battles are timed in Generation VI, this is only relevant in simulator battles and Generation V.

Haxrein

Refers to a Walrein appeared in numerous battle areas that includes one-hit knockout moves Sheer Cold and Fissure. In the Battle Frontier of Pokémon Emerald, it is also holding a Quick Claw.

Leadape

Refers to an Infernape set that is sent out first, commonly including both physical and special moves, Fake Out, Stealth Rock, and the held item Focus Sash.

McIcegar

Refers to a Gengar set that includes the moves Ice Punch, Focus Punch, and Substitute, intended for use in Generation III. This set is no longer used since Generation IV, as physical and special moves are determined by the move itself rather than the type.

Mixape

Refers to an Infernape set that includes both physical and special moves, backed by comparatively high Attack, Special Attack, and Speed stats.

Mixmence

Refers to a Salamence set that includes both physical and special moves, backed by comparatively high Attack, Special Attack, and Speed stats.

MixPert

Refers to a Swampert set that includes both physical and special moves.

MixTar

Refers to a Tyranitar set that includes both physical and special moves.

Punching Alakazam

Refers to a Alakazam set that includes the moves Fire Punch, Thunder Punch, and/or Ice Punch, intended for use in Generation III. This set is no longer used since Generation IV, as physical and special moves are determined by the move itself rather than the type.

Scarfchomp

Refers to a Garchomp set that includes the held item Choice Scarf. It is featured in several battle facilities found in the games.

Smogon-

A prefix used to refer to extremely common Pokémon in the metagame, usually OU, that are considered to be broken or requiring little skill, and are apparently copied and pasted from Smogon pages. Examples include Smogonbird, referring to a Talonflame with Gale Wings; Smogonfrog, which refers to a Greninja with Protean (although it is currently banned from Smogon's OU tier); and Smogon Wash, referring to Wash Rotom (commonly called Rotom Wash in competitive circles).

Specsmence

Refers to a Salamence set that includes the held item Choice Specs.

Stallrein

Refers to a Walrein set that includes Protect, Substitute, Leftovers, and Ice Body, intended for stalling during a hailstorm.

Sturdinja

Refers to a Shedinja with the Ability Sturdy. Usually set up in Double or Triple Battles by using Ability switching moves.

Techniloom

Refers to a Breloom set that includes the Ability Technician and one or more moves with base powers of 60 or less.

Toxic Heal

Refers to Breloom/Gliscor with the Ability Poison Heal and holding a Toxic Orb. When Toxic Orb activates (usually supported via Protect) and badly poisons the Pokémon, the Ability Poison Heal gradually heals the Pokémon each turn instead of damages them (which serves as the better version of Leftovers).

TruAnt

Refers to Durant set includes the Ability Truant and the move Entrainment. As the opponent in several battle areas switches only under very specific circumstances, this strategy allows the player to switch another Pokémon, use Protect when being attacked, and attack/set up when the opponent's Pokémon is loafing due to the Ability Truant transferred via Entrainment.

TyraniBoah

Refers to a Tyranitar set that includes both physical and special moves, including the moves Substitute and Focus Punch.

Wondertomb/Wondereye

Refers to a Spiritomb or Sableye that has been hacked to have the Ability Wonder Guard, making it immune to essentially all direct damage. This term is essentially obsolete as of Generation VI as the Dark/Ghost type combination no longer has zero weaknesses with the introduction of the Fairy type.

Team archetypes

Big 6

Refers to a set of Xerneas, Groudon, Salamence, Kangaskhan, Smeargle, and Talonflame in VGC 2016.

Minor variants that swap out a single member (usually Talonflame) are referred to as Big X, where X depends on the Pokémon not part of the Big 6 that is on the team (usually the first letter of its name). One common variant is Big B, where Bronzong replaces Talonflame.

Celetran

Refers to a Celebi set and a Heatran set being present in a team, and the resulting defensive synergy.

Divecats

A team in Generation V which features Prankster Liepard and/or Purrloin that know Assist and are holding a Lagging Tail or Full Incense, with the only moves known by other Pokémon being moves with a semi-invulnerable turn or moves that cannot be called by Assist. (If both Liepard and Purrloin are being used, they also cannot know any moves other than moves with a semi-invulnerable turn or moves that cannot be called by Assist.) Typically, Dive and Shadow Force are used (Shadow Force for being unable to be hit by any move, Dive to hit Normal types).

This setup means that Purrloin/Liepard will use the move Assist with +1 priority, which calls a move with a semi-invulnerable turn. The next turn, they move at 0 priority (since they are now using a physical move, so Prankster doesn't apply), and move last due to the held Lagging Tail/Full Incense. Repeating this process, they wear down the opposing team and are very difficult to hit.

Starting in Generation VI, Assist can no longer call moves with a semi-invulnerable turn. Players speculate that this was changed to specifically prevent this strategy.

Double Genie

Refers to a Thundurus Incarnate Forme set and a Landorus Therian Forme set being present in a team in a Double Battle. Common in Generation V and VI VGC (2013, 2015-2016).

GyaraVire

Refers to Gyarados and Electivire being used together as an offensive core in Generation IV. Electivire switches into Gyarados's Electric-type weakness to boost its Speed by one due to the Ability Motor Drive. Gyarados switches into Ground-type attacks aimed at the switched out Electivire.

Japan Sand

Refers to Tyranitar with Choice Scarf and Excadrill with Focus Sash being used together as an offensive core. Tyranitar's Ability Sand Stream summons sandstorm, which doubles Excadrill's Speed due to its Ability Sand Rush activated during sandstorm. Common in Generation V and VI VGC (2011-2013, 2015).

Khan Artist

Refers to Mega Kangaskhan and Smeargle as the leads in a Double Battle. Typically, Smeargle knows Dark Void and Kangaskhan knows Fake Out, allowing significant first-turn disruption. Common in Generation VI VGC (2014, 2015, 2016).

SkarmBliss

Refers to a Skarmory set and a Blissey set being present in a team in a Single Battle, and the resulting defensive synergy by switching to the appropriate Pokémon to take physical or special hits, respectively. Common in Generation IV.

Terracott

Refers to Terrakion and Whimsicott with the move Beat Up as the leads in a Double Battle. Typically, Whimsicott uses Beat Up on Terrakion, activating Terrakion's Justified Ability and raising its Attack by 4 stages. Common in Generation V and VI VGC (2011-2013, 2015).