The term “Funny Animals” is used to describe the creatures that seem to behave like humans with human mannerisms. They are also known as “hairless primates” because of the ease of drawing them compared to ordinary humans. However, the animal isn’t human – these are animals that are anywhere on the Sliding Scale of Animal Communication, from the Speech-Impaired Animal to the Talking Pet.

Animated characters with humanoid mannerisms

Comic book characters that have humanoid mannerisms are known as “Funny Animals.” These comic book characters include the Blacksad, a gang of creatures that look partly human, partly animal, and occasionally both. They often have humanoid torsos and legs but have dog-like legs and ears. They are often compared to humanoid animals, like Goofy.

Despite their animal looks, Funny Animals are anthropomorphic bipedal creatures that mimic human society. Some display humanoid mannerisms, such as speaking human languages and displaying facial expressions. Other funny animals may be completely animal, but have human sapience. The genre also includes Speech-Impaired Animals and Talking Animals. These animals are commonly used in video games for children.

Although the term “furry” only came into use in the early 1980s, “funny animal” is much older. Historian Fred Patten uses the term “comic animal” to describe older products. P. G. Wodehouse, the creator of “Buried Treasure” famously used the term “funny animal” to describe an animated Mickey Mouse. As the term spread, “Funny Animals” became more common and broader.

Bipedal characters with humanoid mannerisms

We are all aware that bipedals have differences from humans. Yet, bipedal characters with humanoid mannerisms often seem to be alien to viewers. What sets them apart? How do they distinguish themselves from other animals? How can they relate to the human condition? There are several answers to this question, but we can generally assume that bipedalism evolved independently of human development.

The Descent of Man hypothesis dates back to 1871, when fossil documentation was very sparse and knowledge of apes and monkeys was scarce. However, Hewes (1961) noted that bipedalism evolved from a desire to free hands, which enabled humans to perform tasks like food gathering, weapon handling, and self-defense. Oakley and Washburn (1956) further supported this theory.