Machop first appeared in Pokemon Red and Green in Japan in 1996, as a small fighting-type Pokemon known for its strength and training, and its distinctive in-game cry travelled with it into later games and the anime series. As Pokemon sound effects became easy to share online, the short cry found a second life on soundboards and in fan edits, where it is instantly recognisable even without any visuals. It remains popular because it is both nostalgic for long-time players and short enough to drop into memes, battles and workout jokes without slowing a clip down.