Snuffleupagus

English

Alternative forms

• Mr. Snuffleupagus

Etymology

As a mammoth-like creature, he has a long trunk like an elephant's, which is called his snuffle.

Proper noun

Snuffleupagus

1. A fictional character from the television series Sesame Street, resembling a woolly mammoth without tusks, who until the show's 17th season was only visible to Big Bird.
   • 2000, Peggy Munson, Stricken: Voices from the Hidden Epidemic of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome:

     CFIDS, even bigger than a medical giraffe, is almost like Sesame Street’s elusive giant puppet Snuffleupagus—witnessed only by believers.

   • 2001, Ryan Bigge, A Very Lonely Planet: Love, Sex and the Single Guy:

     Like Big Bird’s Snuffleupagus, Ryan’s “girlfriend” is vividly described, but never seen.

   • 2002, William J. Cobb, The White Tattoo:

     “I feel like I’m dating Snuffleupagus.”

   • 2004, Owen C. Bernard, The Abyss Beside My Driveway:

     No sooner than Didomenico would say “Bill?!” his stout potbellied structure would lift out of its seat and turn to face the room, swaying with the grace and agility of Mr. Snuffleupagus.

   • 2006, Brandilyn Collins, Violet Dawn:

     Ralph breathed into the phone like Mr. Snuffleupagus.