gomu

Gomu is the romanization of a Japanese word that means rubber. In popular culture, it is best known in One Piece as part of the title Gomu Gomu no Mi, the Devil Fruit consumed by Monkey D. Luffy. The name translates to "Rubber-Rubber Fruit," reflecting the user’s rubber-like biology.

In the One Piece canonical lore, the Gomu Gomu no Mi grants the user a body with rubber-like elasticity, allowing extreme stretching and contortion of limbs and other body parts. This elasticity enables a wide range of attacks and defensive maneuvers based on bending and recoiling, as well as enhanced durability against blunt impacts. Like other Devil Fruit powers, the ability comes with a notable drawback: the user loses the ability to swim and becomes vulnerable when in water.

Origin and classification of the fruit have evolved within the series’ storytelling. Initially described as a Paramecia-type Devil Fruit that produces rubber-like properties, the Gomu Gomu no Mi was later revealed to be a Mythical Zoan-type fruit: Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika. This reinterpretation places the fruit in a broader mythic context within the One Piece universe and informs some aspects of the user’s later transformations, such as Gear Fifth. The change is considered a canonical development in the series.

Impact and usage: The Gomu Gomu no Mi is one of the franchise’s most recognizable powers, shaping Luffy’s fighting style and character development and influencing fan culture, merchandise, and discussions surrounding Devil Fruits. In linguistic terms, gomu remains the standard Japanese word for rubber.