Chou Chou
Chouchou (臭臭) is a small, usually cylindrical bolster that became a familiar part of growing up in Singapore. It is especially associated with babies and young children, often becoming a child’s favourite comfort object.A lot of Singaporeans don’t actually “outgrow” their Chouchou. They just grow up with it.For many adults, their Chouchou is:* the same little bolster they’ve had since they were a baby or young child* completely flat, lumpy or misshapen from decades of hugging* faded from countless washes* sometimes patched up or wearing a pillowcase that’s older than some relationships * something they still need to sleep comfortably* an object they would be genuinely upset about losingAnd there’s a difference between having a bolster and having your Chouchou. You can buy a new bolster, but it won’t have that familiar smell, shape, softness and “this is mine” feeling.It’s essentially a childhood comfort object that survived into adulthood.That’s why you’ll hear grown Singaporeans jokingly say things like, “Don’t touch my Chouchou” or “I cannot sleep without my Chouchou.” It’s not really childish. It’s nostalgia, familiarity and emotional attachment wrapped up in one very well-loved little bolster.Honestly, some Chouchous have probably been around longer than the marriages of the people who own them.
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