Dictionary

woobie en · NOUN

Pronunciation

• (US) audio
• /ˈwʊbi/

Etymology

From the 1983 film Mr. Mom, in which it is a child's word for his security blanket; perhaps from a childish diminutive of *woob (compare plushie, from plush), an alternative pronunciation of wub, from wuv, a baby talk form of love (cf. luv).

Meanings

1. (US, childish) Any object, typically a blanket, garment or stuffed animal, that is used simply for its comforting characteristics; a security blanket.
2. (US, endearing) A term of endearment.
3. (slang) A fictional character, often morally grey or a villain, subjected to constant stress and angst, so as to create pathos within the narrative and increase the reader/viewer's emotional attachment to them.
   • But the post also rejects Patroclus as woobie, drawing attention to his amorous complicity in Achilles's crimes. 2022, K. R. Moore, The Routledge Companion to the Reception of Ancient Greek and Roman Gender and Sexuality, unnumbered page:
   • The conflicted portrayal of the character reaches its zenith during the sixth episode where Logan’s relationship with his abusive and morally despicable father solidifies his character into the woobie. 2006, Afşar Yegin, "Fan-Textual Television: Narrative Structure, Vituality And Fandon In Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Angel And Veronica Mars, thesis submitted to Istanbul Bilgi University, page 109
   • In some instances, this characterisation then becomes part of a hurt/comfort fan narrative where the pleasure at the woobie's pain is transmuted into relief at their eventual recovery. 2018, Anna Blackwell, Shakespearean Celebrity in the Digital Age: Fan Cultures and Remediation, page 109:
4. (US, slang) A poncho liner.

Forms

Deriveds

woobification · woobify

Relateds

Draco in Leather Pants · poor little meow meow · baby girl

wikipedia: Mr. Mom