awebo
nounEtymology Imitative; popularized on social media as an Internet meme.
1
Colloquial A call from the willow grouse.
2
Broadly, Colloquial A willow grouse, Lagopus lagopus.
- Videos of Willow Ptarmigans accosting human interlopers have circulated online for years, but recently the popularity of such clips has skyrocketed, elevating the bird to meme status. Videos of ptarmigan encounters from cross-country skiers, snowmobilers, and other unsuspecting victims have been viewed millions of times across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, with fan accounts dedicated to posting daily photos and videos of the birds—affectionately called “awebos” for their call.[2025 April 11, Alex Tey, “This Grouse Is Going Viral: Meet the Willow Ptarmigan, AKA the ‘Awebo’ Bird”, in Audubon Magazine, Audubon, Arts & Culture: