paper dragon

English

Etymology

From paper +‎ dragon. Originated in this sense in c.2021 and popularised on the video-sharing social media service TikTok.

Noun

paper dragon (plural paper dragons)

1. (Internet slang) A hand puppet shaped like the head of a dragon or other animal, usually made from paper or cardboard, with an operational mouth.
   • 2022 April 13, @WBtWNFT, Twitter‎^[1]:

     Toys you make yourself are better than anything you can find in the store. Your dragon puppet is beautiful!❤️💙💜

   • 2023 July 18, @rayadraws, Twitter‎^[2]:

     I made a paper dragon (I'll make a better clip later)

   • 2024 January 6, u/ResourceMost4027, “My first dragon!”, in r/dragon‎^[3], Reddit:

     Im going to make an ocean / seawing paper dragon, should be done about tomorrow! Edit: It’s done! Posting soon, thinking of posting on yt and TikTok..