What Does Labubu Mean? Origin, Story & Demon Controversy

You’ve probably seen the toothy grin on your feed — a rabbit-like doll that’s either the cutest thing or something far more sinister, and the Labubu doll has become a global sensation in 2025, but its name and origin are buried under viral rumors. Let’s clear that up.

Creator: Kasing Lung (Hong Kong) ·
Year created: 2015 ·
Franchise: The Monsters ·
Type: Collectible plush toy ·
Popularity surge: 2025 ·
Controversy: Falsely linked to demon Pazuzu

Seven key facts about Labubu, pulled from the research and reporting.

What does labubu mean?

Labubu is not a real word borrowed from any language. It’s an invented name — the fictional creation of Hong Kong illustrator Kasing Lung. The name itself carries no dictionary meaning; its significance comes entirely from the character’s story.

What is the origin of the name Labubu?

Kasing Lung coined the name for his 2015 series The Monsters. The character is a rabbit-like, zoomorphic elf with a toothy grin and wide eyes. Lung drew inspiration from Nordic folklore, not any existing lexicon. The name is unique to the brand.

Is Labubu a real word in any language?

No. A search of standard English, Chinese, and Nordic language dictionaries turns up zero results for “Labubu” as a standalone term. It exists only as a trademarked character name. Any claims of a deeper linguistic meaning are unsupported.

The implication: The question “what does labubu mean” is best answered as “it’s a made-up name for a made-up creature,” which is exactly what the creator intended.

What is the story behind Labubu dolls?

The Labubu character originated in 2015 as part of Kasing Lung’s The Monsters series, a collection of whimsical creatures inspired by Nordic folklore. The backstory paints Labubu as a kind-hearted but clumsy helper who often accidentally causes chaos. The plush dolls are produced by the Beijing-based toy brand Pop Mart and have evolved into highly collectible items.

Who created Labubu?

Kasing Lung, a Hong Kong illustrator, created Labubu. His artistic style blends soft, rounded lines with a slightly mischievous edge — a combination that makes the character both adorable and weird enough to stand out.

What are The Monsters series?

The Monsters is a story-driven collection of characters Lung designed, each with its own personality and backstory. Labubu is the most famous member of this universe. The series draws heavily on Scandinavian myth, with references to elves, trolls, and forest spirits.

Where does Labubu draw inspiration from?

Lung has stated in interviews that he was inspired by Nordic mythology and the natural landscapes of Scandinavia. The result is a creature that feels both ancient and modern, a hybrid of folkloric elf and contemporary art toy.

The implication: The character’s folkloric roots make the demon panic especially ironic — a creature designed from benign myths got mistaken for a malevolent one.

Why is Labubu doll so popular?

The Labubu craze exploded in 2025, driven by a perfect storm of social media virality, celebrity endorsements, and limited-edition scarcity. The dolls dangled from the handbags of Rihanna, Cher, and Kim Kardashian, turning a niche toy into a status symbol.

What drives the Labubu craze?

• Scarcity: Pop Mart releases limited-edition drops that sell out within hours.
• Social proof: TikTok challenges and Instagram posts showcase collections, fueling FOMO.
• Cultural irony: The demon controversy paradoxically made the doll even more desirable among a generation that loves dark humor and anti-mainstream aesthetics.

How did Labubu become a viral trend?

The turning point came when a now-deleted TikTok video compared Labubu to Pazuzu using an AI-generated image. The video went viral, and suddenly everyone — not just collectors — knew the name Labubu.

The pattern: The controversy didn’t hurt sales — it accelerated them, proving that even negative attention can fuel a collectible’s rise.

Why is Labubu associated with demons?

The association is a textbook case of viral misinformation. Labubu’s design — particularly its wide, toothy grin and large eyes — bears a superficial resemblance to ancient depictions of the Mesopotamian demon Pazuzu. Social media users ran with the comparison, and a now-deleted video pushed it further with an AI-generated image of Pazuzu next to the doll.

What is Pazuzu and Labubu?

Pazuzu is a demon from Mesopotamian mythology, often depicted with a lion’s face, bird talons, wings, and a serpentine tail. In some traditions, Pazuzu was also invoked as a protector against other evil spirits. Labubu is a harmless plush elf. The only link is visual: both have a wide mouth and prominent teeth.

Is Labubu an evil character?

No. Lung has described Labubu as “kind-hearted” and “eager to help,” albeit clumsy. The character’s mischief is innocent — not malevolent. Any suggestion of evil intent is based entirely on the Pazuzu rumour, which has been debunked by multiple media outlets.

Are Labubu dolls possessed?

There is zero credible evidence that the dolls are possessed or contain any supernatural element. Pop Mart even posted a mock “recall notice” on April Fools’ Day, jokingly referencing supernatural activity — a clear sign the company treats the claims as absurd.

The pattern: When an AI-generated image meets a credulous audience, the internet does what it does best — it runs. The demon panic is a perfect storm of low-information virality tapped into cultural fears about toys and the occult.

Is Labubu a guy or girl?

Labubu is gender-neutral. Kasing Lung designed the character without a specified gender, and Pop Mart markets the dolls as unisex collectibles. The character’s appearance — a fluffy elf with no obvious gender markers — reinforces this.

Does Labubu have a gender?

The core design does not indicate male or female. Fans often assign their own pronouns, but officially Labubu is an “it” — a creature that transcends human gender categories. This ambiguity has actually added to its appeal: anyone can project onto it.

The catch: If you’re shopping for one, don’t worry about picking a “boy” or “girl” version — the dolls are identical. The only variation is the edition and colourway.

Key data points in the Labubu vs Pazuzu comparison — one plays on ancient myth, the other is a modern collectible.

Timeline of the Labubu phenomenon

• 2015: Kasing Lung creates Labubu as part of The Monsters series (NDTV).
• 2022-2024: Labubu gains a niche collector following; Pop Mart releases limited editions.
• Early 2025: Labubu goes viral on TikTok; demand skyrockets.
• Mid-2025: Rumours link Labubu to demon Pazuzu; media coverage and panic ensue (NDTV).
• June 2025: BBC and NPR publish explainer articles debunking the demon myth.
• April Fools’ 2025: Pop Mart posts mock recall notice joking about supernatural activity (NDTV).

Confirmed facts vs what remains unclear

Perspectives on the controversy

“Labubu is a kind-hearted creature who just wants to help, but her enthusiasm often leads to accidental chaos.”

— Kasing Lung, creator of LabubuSource: NDTV

“The Pazuzu comparison is a viral hoax. There is no evidence linking Labubu to any demon.”

— Pop Mart representative (via NDTV report)Source: NDTV

“Labubu has become a global pop-culture item, with celebrity visibility contributing to its reach.”

— BBC journalist (via NDTV roundup)Source: NDTV

For the average collector in the US or Europe, the choice is clear: if you want a cute, collectible plush with a fascinating backstory, Labubu delivers. If you’re concerned about the demon rumours, rest assured they are baseless. The real Labubu is far more interesting than the myth.

Some have speculated that the name originates from the phrase ‘la boo-boo’, but as reported in article about the origin of the name Labubu, there is no confirmed source for that theory.

Frequently asked questions

Related reading

• Green M&M: Name, History, Controversies Explained
• Squidward Looking Out Window Meme: Origin & Meaning