Definition of «pookie-fying»

This verb describes the act of taking someone or something—often a person who is perceived as tough, serious, or intimidating—and making them appear cute, soft, or adorable. It is a common practice on platforms like TikTok and Twitter where fans create edits of celebrities or fictional characters with pink filters, heart emojis, and soft music. The goal is to transform the subject's public image into that of a 'pookie' (a term of endearment). It represents a shift in how internet subcultures interact with 'masculine' or 'hard' media figures.