Metapod first appeared in Pokemon Red and Green in 1996 as the cocoon stage between Caterpie and Butterfree, famous for knowing mainly Harden in battle. That reputation for being present but doing very little made it a natural fit for POV and reaction memes online. As short Pokemon clips circulated on soundboards and social video, creators reused the awkward Metapod moment for staring jokes, blank responses, and situations where someone is stuck waiting for anything to happen.