The Humbug is a fictional character from the children's book *The Phantom Tollbooth* by Norton Juster. It is a creature that resembles a large, fuzzy insect and often acts as a guide for the main character, Milo. The Humbug is known for its pompous attitude and tendency to boast about its own importance, despite being somewhat foolish. In the story, The Humbug accompanies Milo on his adventures in the Kingdom of Dictionopolis and beyond. Its humorous personality adds a layer of comedy to the narrative, while also serving as a commentary on the nature of self-importance and the absurdity of certain behaviors.