Cuca, the blonde Brazilian alligator, just usurped the Babadook as the internet’s new favorite meme
If you’re looking for a little bit of internet-lite relief, you need not look any further than Cuca, the blonde Brazilian alligator, who has become the internet’s new favorite meme.
Given that it was only a few weeks ago that the Babadook became the ultimate LGBTQ icon and completely overtook Pride celebrations around the country, we’re a little surprised that the mysterious monster from a pop-up book has been usurped as the meme de-jour.
Instead of the Babadook, people on social media have become besotted with this blonde alligator, and she’s actually kind of iconic.
https://twitter.com/udfredirect/status/875497511091417088
But who is Cuca and where does she come from?
The alligator actually originates from a 2000s TV adaptation of the Sítio do Pica-Pau Amarelo novels, a series of books by Brazilian author Monteiro Lobato that focus on two children who go on adventures with their living toys.
Cuca first appeared in the novels in 1921 and is a witch (because of course). While the character might be slightly older, however, the iteration that has taken the internet by storm is from a 2001 TV adaptation.
I've spent my night making new gifs of Cuca and her friends from Sítio do Pica-Pau Amarelo. They are iconic. pic.twitter.com/EbMPMGfnt1
— Calvin (@calvinstowell) June 16, 2017
Indeed, some on Twitter have claimed that the wigged alligator could become the next LGBTQ icon.
https://twitter.com/udfredirect/status/875761317419855872
gay twitter: babadook is the new gay icon!!!
three days later: pic.twitter.com/9pF9kjq4w7
— T. Kyle 🏳️🌈 (@tkylemac) June 16, 2017
First #Babadook and now #Cuca we are truly living in the golden age of gay icons pic.twitter.com/FR206n6Axr
— Richard Logan (@richardlogan89) June 16, 2017
This could partly be because Cuca appears to be a big fan of RuPaul’s Drag Race.
https://twitter.com/udfredirect/status/875540933181394944
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Of course, much of Cuca’s appeal is in her sassy movements, her blonde wig, her outfits, and hair flipping. Oh, and the fact that she’s a reptile. When combined, it makes her the perfect object for pop culture commentary. false
https://twitter.com/udfredirect/status/875826284961640450
false false
One thing is certain: Cuca is a QUEEN, and we wish her a long and healthy life as both an LGBTQ icon and an internet meme.
