Squash and Stretch

This action gives the illusion of weight and volume to an animated object as it moves. It's used in any animation involving flexible movement and can range from subtle movements in a ball bouncing down some stairs or a person doing a complicated dance, as seen in the Mr Bean animated tv series: 

Mr Bean Animated TV Series - Intro

The squash and stretch principle is particularly evident in the moment of Teddy as he gets thrown about during Mr Bean's dancing. This easily conveys the material that Teddy is made of, as well as his weight and texture.

Chuck Jones - What's Brewin' Bruin

This old Chuck Jones cartoon also shows excellent squash and stretch as the bears hit each other.

Written By Nila Murali