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There is nothing more awkward than being in a situation where you feel like youโre the only one who doesnโt know the meaning of a new word or term, that everybody around you seems to be using. Especially, when youโre put under the spotlight and you have no idea how to respond. A way to avoid these types of situations is by making sure that you are up-to-date with any new words or terms being used. If thatโs something you are interested in learning, then youโve come to the right place, because today Iโm going to share with you what the slang term โspirit animalโ means.
Spirit Animal Meaning
A spirit animal represents a symbolic guide or protector that reflects your inner qualities, strengths, and traits.
What Does โSpirit Animalโ Mean?
The meaning of the term โspirit animalโ can be explained in various different ways, this may perhaps be due to its old age, as this term has been used for many years. However, it has recently been somewhat modified to fit with modern-day slang.
In todayโs world, the slang term โspirit animalโ simply means the animal within ourselves. Which can often be identified by our personality, behavior, and even physical appearance, for example, if you have great leadership skills and you are a very loyal person, then your spirit animal is most likely a wolf. If you have super voluminous hair and are very confident, then yours would most likely be a lion.
Here are some examples of how the slang term โspirit animalโ is used:
- โMy spirit animal is definitely a foxโ
- โAriana Grande is my spirit animalโ
- If youโre loyal, brave and a born leader. Your spirit animal is a wolf.
- If youโre ever lacking confidence, tap into your spirit animal.
The Origin of Spirit Animal
Due to this term being used in various different spiritual traditions and cultures, itโs hard to say where exactly this term came from. However, according to research it has most likely come from the traditional African belief system and expanded to other places over time.
In the traditional African belief system, โspirit animalโ is instead referred to as โspirit guideโ. In Africa, many believed and still believe that โspirit guidesโ are their deceased ancestors who are born again after death as an animal, who helps to guide them through life. These โspirit guidesโ are seen as very powerful and wise spirits and therefore should be very well respected.
Other Meanings of โSpirit Animalโ
Although the term โspirit animalโ began with the belief of our ancestors looking after us as a form of an animal and is now used to describe someoneโs animal within them, there are still various other meanings lying in between.
Many western cultures believe that a โspirit animalโ isnโt always a spirit of a human, but can also be a spirit of an animal. This animal is very wise and powerful and protects and looks after us, just like a human spirit guide would.
Other cultures refer to โspirit animalโ as โtotemโ. An object that acts as a symbol of their deceased family, lineage, clan or tribe and can be used to seek for guidance, protection, and help.
Who Uses and When to Use the Term โSpirit Animalโ?
When it comes to when and who should use this term, things can get extremely debatable.
Young people are the most likely to use this slang term, often when they are discussing what they believe the animal they represent or want to become is. However, many people will argue that although the modern-day slang term, may seem harmless. It can be highly offensive to those who belong to a culture or tradition where spirit animals are highly respected. Not only is it wrong to use the phrase when youโre not part of the culture or tradition, but itโs even worse when you use it incorrectly.
Therefore, here are other terms you can use instead of the slang term โspirit animalโ:
- Inner-self
- Alter-ego
- Inner-animal
- The animal within
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