Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Weird web news: Why cuddly wolf Lufsig is popular in Hong Kong

 

Simmy Richman
Saturday 14 December 2013 20:06 EST
Comments
Lufsig the wolf has become a symbol of protest in Hong Kong
Lufsig the wolf has become a symbol of protest in Hong Kong

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

What sells in Ikea and has become a symbol of protest in Hong Kong? Meet Lufsig, the cuddly wolf who – since being thrown at the region’s chief executive Leung Chun-ying – has sold out in local branches of the Swedish furniture giant.

The toy’s popularity is twofold: (1) Leung Chun-ying has been dubbed “Wolf”, by many who find his policies “cunning”. And (2) The name did not translate well to Cantonese, in which it sounded like a “vulgar anatomical reference”. Costing £8 in the UK, Lufsigs are selling for more than double that on eBay in Hong Kong. It’s also reported that Ikea has changed the product’s name. After howls of protest, no doubt.

Next: Beyonce's secret online album release

Twitter: @simmyrichman

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in