Ghoulie

/ˈɡuːli/ noun

Definition

A diminutive or informal term for a ghoul; a small or playful supernatural creature, especially in folklore or entertainment.

Etymology

Formed from 'ghoul' (Arabic 'ghūl') with the diminutive suffix '-ie,' common in English for making terms more informal or endearing (like 'doggie' from 'dog').

Kelly Says

The term 'ghoulie' became popular in 1980s horror-comedy, most famously in the low-budget film 'Ghoulies,' where creatures were cute and goofy rather than terrifying—it shows how language can defang scary concepts by making them sound silly.

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