TikTok has popularized another internet slang term and this time, it's pookie. The term is being used by people across the app as a way of referring to their friends in an endearing way, but where does it come from and why? Here's what you need to know.

What Does 'Pookie' Mean?

"Pookie" is a slang term that's most frequently used as a term of endearment and cutesy nickname, similar to words like "honey" or "babe." Traditionally, it's perhaps most popularly used among couples. Throughout the 2020s though, as it's become increasingly popular on TikTok, users have expanded the word's scope, using it towards loved ones, creators they like, friends and more.

The term "pookie" seemingly started out as a name sometimes before the 1960s. Around that time, the name purportedly spread to the United States, where it became increasingly popular as a term of endearment. At some point in the 2020s it started getting popular on TikTok as a funny and endearing way to refer to loved ones both genuinely and in a tongue-and-cheek manner.

How Is 'Pookie' Used In Memes?

While the term is used across social media as a term of endearment, it's most popular on TikTok. The term has appeared in numerous viral videos and memes on the app. Some of the most popular examples relay the pain that comes when your bro doesn't call you pookie, or simply share the joy of being called pookie.

Pookie is also popular on Instagram, where it has appeared in several popular image macros of cats using the term. Notably, TikToker JayRScotty has been given the nickname "pookie" by his followers, who frequently refer to him as such in comment sections. TikToker Alpha Pookie has also taken it upon himself to help popularize the term by adding it to his username.

@hixko 15 years in prison if i have good behavior 🤕🤕🤕 #prison #arrested #illegal #cops #crying #pookie #😝 #15years #fyp #fypシ #fyoup #foryoupage #foryou #soup #pookiebear #going2jail ♬ Deftones x Memoboy – alex

@a.a.c.c.i.i.d.d #friends #homies #pookie ♬ jerk – ☆drr☆

@kostaswommy #pookie #cat #good #night #fy #fyp #viral ♬ Originalton – 🕸️

@obama_alt_acc_2 Looking good tofay pookie 😬#Pookiepoo #pookie #cutedog #chaiinnnn #rar #fyp #pookiebear #butiful ♬ beautiful people uses this sound – dashia&lt3

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For the full history of Pookie, be sure to check out Know Your Meme's encyclopedia entry for more information.