Cooties

Cooties is an imaginary infectious disease that folklore suggests is spread by contact with girls, typically amongst children and particularly in middle school contexts. This character embodies the concept of a childish fear or phobia related to girls, often humorously depicted as an 'invisible' but 'catchy' ailment. Cooties is portrayed as an entity that can strike boys without warning, causing them to exhibit exaggerated discomfort or behaviors. This character is frequently seen in the comedic relief or satire of schoolyard dynamics, serving as a metaphor for the fear of the opposite gender, the onset of adolescence, or the challenges of socialization.