I will now quote TF2's sniper for the difference: ones a job and ones a mental sickness
"What's the difference between mascot and furry? Well, the difference bein' one is a job and the other's a mental sickness!"
Verb: to be a mascot
The practice of using political, financial, or informational privilege to promote a particular person as a thought leader or influencer in a particular field or around a popular narrative.
This is done in a way that makes the support seem organic, and eventually promotes organic support and momentum, which masks the initial catalyst.
Or...astroturfing a person’s story
Yo why do the press keep going on about Harry and Meghan? No one cares...
Some kind of mascotting campaign no doubt...
Or
Looks like whoever Epstein was mascotting for didn’t want to risk him saying anything
#EpsteinDidntKillHimself
Or...
Epstein was clearly a mascot for someone or something bigger.
Orignially coined by femisist artist Carolee Schneemann in her autobiography. It was used to imply that you were only included as a woman in a male dominated environment because of your looks.
Today this word is the description of a woman who celebrates her reliance on her looks and sexuality in order to ascertain power.
"You could be an artist, but you were really a kind of cunt-mascot." -Carolee Schneemann.
Modern example- Woman in corporate attire, with short skirt, cleavage busting and towering heels is introduced at a meeting by her male boss. "Harry, I'd like you to meet Bianca, she's our newest asset here at (insert business name)."
Mascot Horror refers to a subgenre of the horror genre of video games that emphasizes its use of elements that primarily appeal or are meant for a younger demographic. This includes things such as themed restaurants, amusement parks, toy factories, elementary schools, and other things that start out ordinarily as child-friendly, but have a darker twisted point beneath the surface.
The most common feature of it is the "mascot", a bankable large creature that is typically hostile and serves as the face of the franchise. This creature is typically not human and easily recognizable. Other elements that are involved include lore related to children, such as using the toys to remain young forever, experimenting on children, and so on.
If you're making a horror game, mascot horror might be the way to go, since kids will like it and the adults might enjoy playing it with them.