Pookie

About

Pookie is a slang term of endearment and nickname used to show affection to another person, similar to terms like "honey" and "sweetie." According to some sources, the term was originally a name dating back before the 1960s, becoming a term of endearment in the United States around that time. "Pookie" became increasingly popularized online, particularly on TikTok, throughout the 2020s, becoming a common way to refer to people you admire or love in both a genuine and tongue-in-cheek manner.

Origin

The term "pookie" has been used as a name and a nickname since as early as the 1930s, with examples purportedly dating back to as early as 1934.^[1] It then spread to the United States around the '60s as a term of endearment.^[2] The slang term was popularly defined on Urban Dictionary^[3] on March 11th, 2005, as, "A term of endearment and affection. It is a name akin to 'lovebug,' 'cuddlemuffin.' 'babe,'" garnering over 1,600 likes in 18 years.

"I love you, Pookie."
-Or-
"You are my everything. You are Pookie to me."

Spread

The term "pookie" became increasingly popularized on TikTok throughout the 2020s as a term of endearment used toward anyone you admire or love either genuinely or in a tongue-in-cheek manner. TikToker JayRScotty, known for the Two Pretty Best Friends video, is often called "Pookie" by viewers. On May 11th, 2023, TikToker^[4] @hixko posted a meme using the term, garnering over 6.6 million views in three months (shown below).

On June 21st, Instagram^[4] user youisbebe posted a cat meme using the term, garnering over 3,900 likes in two months (shown below, left). On July 1st, Instagram^[5] user daily_dose_of_meows posted a similar meme, garnering over 101,000 likes in a month (shown below, right).

On July 21st, TikToker^[6] @a.a.c.c.i.i.d.d posted a video using the term, garnering over 1.6 million views in two weeks (shown below).

Various Examples

Search Interest

External References