A muppet is a type of puppet that was created by Jim Henson, an American puppeteer. Muppets are characterized by their bright colors, soft textures and expressive features which make them easily recognizable to audiences around the world. They are commonly used in television shows, movies, and live performances as they can be manipulated by puppeteers to create a wide range of emotions and personalities through their movements and dialogue. The term "muppet" is also used more broadly to refer to any odd or unusual person or thing.