woobie

Meanings

1. Any object, typically a blanket, garment or stuffed animal, that is used simply for its comforting characteristics; a security blanket.
2. A term of endearment.
3. 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.
4. A poncho liner.

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).