Well, it's not the character trope itself, but the term. I'm pretty sure Tom Quinn in MI-5 meets the definition for me, especially wrt the hurt/comfort urge the character inspires. But "woobie", well, it's a baby blanket. When I hear the term, I automatically think the fan wishes to regress a complex and otherwise interesting character into an infant to be coddled and protected from the big bad world. It's the baby-talkish-sounding name that causes the reflexive cringing, above anything else, really. If there was another, non-cringy word that describes the characteristics, I'd probably be OK with it. YWMV.
There's more than one way to skin a cat. And I happen to know that's factually true.
Mayor ,'Lies My Parents Told Me'
Boxed Set, Vol. 1: Smallville, Due South, Farscape
A topic for the discussion of Farscape, Smallville, and Due South. Beware possible invasions of Stargate, Highlander, or pretty much anything else that captures our fancy. Expect Adult Content and discussion of the Big Gay Sex.
Vonnie K - Mar 18, 2004 5:43:09 am PST #4517 of 10000
Kiss me, my girl, before I'm sick.
Dana - Mar 18, 2004 5:48:54 am PST #4518 of 10000
I'm terrifically busy with my ennui.
There are plenty of people out there who agree with you, Vonnie, w/r/t the "infantilization" of fandom.
I just kind of like the way woobie sounds.
Emily - Mar 18, 2004 6:55:02 am PST #4519 of 10000
"In the equation E = mc⬧, c⬧ is a pretty big honking number." - Scola
I have no idea how anyone can like Daniel better than Jack, so they're all smoking the long pipe.
More Jack for you, ita, more Daniel for me.
I agree with everybody, pretty much. Daniel's totally a whiny bitch, and a bit of a woobie. And probably I would not love Daniel half so much, loved I not The Jack-and-Daniel Show more. I also love the team, and think that's key. But I really adore the banter. "Did not." "Did too." Also, "Can I see your scar?" "No."
§ ita § - Mar 18, 2004 7:34:21 am PST #4520 of 10000
Well not canonically, no, but this is transformative fiction.
"Can I see your scar?" "No."
ADORABLE.
I didn't know woobie was a kid's blanket until I read the wiki. "Inspires intense feelings of protectiveness, an urge to clutch to one's bosom, and oodles of comfort sex." That's what woobie's meant to me.
Matt the Bruins fan - Mar 18, 2004 8:47:37 am PST #4521 of 10000
"I remember when they eventually introduced that drug kingpin who murdered people and smuggled drugs inside snakes and I was like 'Finally. A normal person.'” —RahvinDragand
"Woobie" was popularized by the movie Mr. Mom, I believe.
Vonnie K - Mar 18, 2004 10:22:59 am PST #4522 of 10000
Kiss me, my girl, before I'm sick.
"Mr. Mom"? Was the term used simply to refer to a baby blanket or in any way similiar to how it is used in fannish context?
I'm Miss Cranky McCrankypants in a totally unreasonable way when it comes to fannish lingoes (I've been known snarl at something as mild as "OTP"), so don't mind me. I have weird fandom issues.
"Lost City Part 2" tomorrow! Finally, I'll be able to uncoil myself from the year-long spoilerphobic defensive posture. Ehh. Maybe I should just give in to temptation and start spoiling myself rotten with SG: Atlantis come next season.
Steph L. - Mar 18, 2004 11:00:24 am PST #4523 of 10000
I look more rad than Lutheranism
"Mr. Mom"? Was the term used simply to refer to a baby blanket
Just a baby blanket. But very funny.
Katie M - Mar 18, 2004 11:13:03 am PST #4524 of 10000
I was charmed (albeit somewhat perplexed) by the fannish sensibility of many of the music choices -- it's like the director was trying to vid Canada. --loligo on the Olympic Opening Ceremonies
Aeeiii. I did not know this. That strikes me highly wrong somehow.
There's a story... okay, you can find it here, though I don't think that'll be a direct link. Corby's Paternity Test. Short and creepy.
§ ita § - Mar 18, 2004 11:21:11 am PST #4525 of 10000
Well not canonically, no, but this is transformative fiction.
I like that.
Nutty - Mar 18, 2004 2:40:42 pm PST #4526 of 10000
"Mister Spock is on his fanny, sir. Reports heavy damage."
Yeah -- if you'll recall, the baby blanket called "woobie" was set on fire before the end of Mr. Mom. Intentionally, ceremoniously, as the child didn't need it any more.