Behind the English name with the cute sounding name (to hug = to embrace) is a fictional character from a computer game of the horror genre.
Who is Huggy Wuggy? Explanation, definition, meaning
The plush monster has long legs and extra-long arms.
The most memorable body part is Huggy Wuggy’s triangular face with a menacing-looking mouth. This is disproportionately large and shows double rows of teeth, which are equipped with numerous pointed teeth.
In the computer game, saliva threads reinforce the fearsome impression. The fur color of the online game character is blue. The paws are yellow.
In stores, Huggy Wuggy figures are offered in numerous fur colors and different sizes.
Poppy Playtime – the home of Huggy Wuggy
The plush monster is a protagonist of the video game „Poppy Playtime.“ The action takes place in a disused toy factory, which the player explores. In a gloomy and oppressive atmosphere, tasks must be solved to solve the mysterious disappearance of former employees of the factory.
The explorer is threatened by toy figures that have turned malevolent. Huggy Wuggy is also one of them. He used to be the company’s mascot and is now up to evil. The monster can lurk around every corner and strike with lightning speed. If he manages to catch the player, he will be killed.
History of the creation of Poppy Playtime
The first part of the video game „Poppy Playtime“ was launched by the American game development company „MOB Games“ in the fall of 2021.
After its great success, the second part followed in 2022. In this one, Huggy Wuggy gets competition from Mommy Long Legs. A pink, spider-like fantasy figure, of which there are now also fan articles.
Cult around Huggy Wuggy
Of course, the survival horror game is not aimed at the young target group. But in times of cell phones and social media, children of kindergarten or elementary school age are already being confronted with it, whether through siblings or older friends.
In addition, the numerous Huggy Wuggy merchandise products also arouse interest in the plush figure with the interesting exterior.
A wide variety of video clips of the monster can be found on online portals. Often these are stories freely invented by fans, in which people or pets are kidnapped by Huggy Wuggy. Sometimes the character also makes friends with well-known cartoon characters from children’s series.
Many millions of clicks received a Huggy Wuggy song, in which the fictional protagonist tells about a fatal hug.
Controversy around Huggy Wuggy
Teenagers or adult gamers enjoy the creepiness that the ambivalent character exudes. In younger children, on the other hand, who cannot yet distinguish between fiction and reality, Huggy Wuggy can cause great anxiety. And even if the boundary between fantasy and reality gradually becomes clearer from elementary school age, children are not immune to fears caused by Huggy Wuggy. Especially not when true horror stories about the long-armed monster allegedly circulate in the schoolyard.
Numerous kindergartens and schools have therefore already issued a Hubby Wuggy ban.
Parental interaction with Huggy Wuggy
Many parents know from their own childhood and puberty that it is often the forbidden that attracts them. Of course, the child should therefore not be consciously confronted with Huggy Wuggy. But if the child asks questions or even expresses fears, then understanding and openness are better than punishment and prohibitions.
Cautiously and without criticism, it should be found out where the child came into contact with the character. Are scary stories told in the kindergarten group or in the schoolyard? In this case, educators or teachers should be informed.
Or is an older friend or sibling being overly generous with the cell phone? Here, a direct conversation or a conversation with the respective parents may be able to remedy the situation.
In any case, the difference between fiction and reality should be explained to the frightened offspring in an age-appropriate manner. Depending on the child’s character, it can also be helpful to create your own scary character together. Humorous weaknesses take the edge off this.
In addition, it is important to discuss why scary fantasy figures are often so popular in a way that is as child-friendly as possible. Age-appropriate villains can be cited as an example.
Sensible use of media
Not only Huggy Wuggy, but also numerous other fictional or real characters from the Internet can frighten young children.
To recognize this in time and be able to react to it, children’s fears should never be dismissed as nonsense, but should always be taken seriously.
Parents who know what topics are hot with their offspring are often good at assessing when intervention may be necessary. Staying on the ball and in the conversation is the solution here. If the parents or guardians cannot understand what is being said or what they have seen, they should calmly ask questions. This makes the children feel that they are being taken seriously, and the answers may provide parents with important information.
Many parents take it for granted that the family computer is childproof. However, the older children get, the greater the risk that they will have access to content that is not age-appropriate or inappropriate. Depending on the age of the child, dangers on the Internet and how to deal with them should therefore be discussed. Youngsters need to know that it is also perfectly okay to say a clear no in this context if something doesn’t feel good or arouses fears.