Pokémon Psychology: Why Snorlax is a Whole Mood and I’m Here For It

Snorlax Mood 101

By Ghia Vitale

Photo Credit: Josh Hallett (Flickr.com)

​Have you ever wanted to spend an entire day eating, drinking, and relaxing until you’re ready to sleep? Chances are, you’ve experienced what I call a “Snorlax Mood.” In my opinion, Snorlax is a whole mood and it’s one of the reasons why I’m here for this pokémon’s popularity.

Every now and then, I slip into a certain mood: I’ll feel hungry and long for my bed. It makes me want to hoard snacks and stay in bed amongst my Squishmallows. Usually, this mood comes around when I’m PMSing or if my hormones are out of whack, but it’s also appeared without rhyme or reason before. Every now and then, I’ll get this mood and it takes me on a rollercoaster of hunger and tiredness after I’ve eaten, all while I remain calm and relaxed. Ever since I’ve become aware of this mood, I’ve come up with an otaku term for it: It’s my Snorlax Mood™.

If you think I’m referencing Snorlax to be insulting to myself or the pokémon, you’ve misunderstood my feelings about the subject. Over the years, Snorlax has become one of my favorite Pokémon characters. In general, I relate to Snorlax more than other pokémon. First of all, we’re both fat/plus size. We’re actually the fattest individuals in our social circles. In other words, we both have the Thick Fat ability. It takes only one of our fat asses to block a pathway. Nonetheless, Snorlax and I take up all the space we need without shame and I see that as a good thing. My fat ass exists and just like Snorlax, I deserve the space I take up. 

I think Snorlax is cute and cuddly even while shooting ice beams. (I also think Snorlax is especially kawaii in Detective Pikachu.) But more importantly, I think Snorlax is a very chill character. According to the Pokémon Database’s review of Pokédex entries for Snorlax, Snorlax is so chill, children use their spacious, fat belly as a place to play. This same entry from Pokémon Ruby/Sapphire games also describes Snorlax as “docile” Pokémon whose “typical day consists of nothing more than eating and sleeping.” What could possibly be chill than that? Ice beams, probably, but you get the point! When I’m in a Snorlax Mood, I’m chill as ice because I can’t be bothered with anything that doesn’t involve eating, sleeping, or lazing around.

Speaking of eating, hunger is part of the Snorlax Mood whenever I experience it. Honestly, another thing I love about Snorlax is how this Pokémon eats without food guilt. In fact, Snorlax has an insatiable appetite and requires anywhere between 880 to 900 pounds of food to feel satisfied. When I’m in a Snorlax Mood, the concept of feeling guilty about the food I eat isn’t a thing. I find myself welcoming my hunger and the food I consume during my Snorlax Moods. If you ever feel gluttony overcoming you and all you want to do is eat, it’s the power of Snorlax compelling you (probably with Metronome).

Have you ever fallen into such a deep sleep, you need someone to play a Poké Flute to wake you up? There’s a reason why “relax” rhymes with “Snorlax.” After Snorlax becomes full, they get so lethargic that you can jump on their belly! According to Bulbapedia, there’s an episode of the Pokémon anime called “Garden of Eatin’” that features a character named Marcel. Marcel owned the Slakoth banana farm, but a wild Snorlax kept eating all of his bananas. After a rousing Pokémon battle, he caught the Snorlax and afterward, he turned this giant pokémon into an attraction: a relaxation room, to be exact. Therefore, sleeping or simply relaxing are both valid manifestations of a Snorlax Mood.

I’m not saying people should use the term “Snorlax Mood” as a euphemism for “feeling fat.” The truth is that fat is not a feeling, nor is the word “fat” an accurate descriptor for feeling lazy, hungry, ugly, or full. If you use the word “fat” to be synonymous with the words I’ve just mentioned, I’d suggest expanding your vocabulary so you don’t use someone’s body type as an insult. And for the record: I consider Snorlax to be a fat positive icon because of how cute and awesome I think the character is.

What I am saying is that I sometimes feel like Snorlax and I bet I’m not alone. That’s why I think Snorlax is a whole mood. I should also note that feeling like Snorlax isn’t necessarily a bad thing. If anything, thinking of myself as Snorlax has helped me take breaks when my body asks for them. Identifying my Snorlax Moods lets me know when I need to kick back with some snacks and rest well. It’s okay to feel like Snorlax and if you’ve ever felt that way, I want you to know your Snorlax Moods and feelings are valid.

Get more in touch with your Snorlax Moods—buy the official Snorlax plush that was made by the Pokémon company. If you buy one through the link below, Quail Bell will get a percentage of the profit. Because nothing compares to Snorlax cuddles!