“Unicorn” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on November 12, 2024 by Isabella Claire

Most people hear the word “unicorn” and think of a mythical white horse with a golden horn in the center of its forehead. However, as a form of internet slang, the word “unicorn” has a much different meaning. Here you will discover this meaning and the origin of the term provided there is information about its beginnings.

You will also find other meanings of the term and see the slang term used in some example conversations to help you better understand the meaning. Finally, you will see some suggested words or phrases that you may be able to use as a replacement for the word “unicorn” in its slang form.

“Unicorn” Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • On the internet, the slang term “unicorn” is defined as someone or something that is rare and holds a high value in your life.
Unicorn Meaning
Unicorn Meaning – Created by 7ESL

“Unicorn” Meaning

In slang, “unicorn” refers to anything or anyone that is considered rare, unique, or highly desirable. This usage of “unicorn” highlights something that is almost too good to be true, often possessing a combination of qualities that make it stand out or difficult to find.

For example:

  • In Dating: A partner who perfectly fits someone’s ideal qualities might be described as a “unicorn.”
  • In Job Hunting: A candidate who has a rare skill set that perfectly matches a position may be called a “unicorn.”
  • In Collecting: A unique, hard-to-find item is sometimes referred to as a “unicorn” in collector communities.

Origin of this Term

The term “unicorn” has existed as a part of the world since the time of the Bible. Although not mentioned specifically by the name unicorn, there is a creature described in the Bible as being bigger than a donkey and having one horn in the center of its forehead. The horse-like creature is referred to on numerous occasions in Greek mythology and the unicorn became the official symbol of Scotland.

Eventually in art, the unicorn became synonymous with rainbows and has been adopted by the LGBTQ community as a symbol of pride, beauty, and magic often seen alongside the rainbow flag at pride parades and celebrations. The horse-like creature is considered a rare animal and was eventually just used over time to describe anything rare.

Usage of Unicorn

The term “unicorn” is often used to describe something that is rare, unique, or highly desirable, especially when it stands out as exceptional or hard to find. Here are some examples of how to use “unicorn” in different contexts:

In a job or career context:

  • “We’re looking for a unicorn—someone with 10 years of experience, but still willing to learn and grow.”
    (Describing an ideal, rare candidate.)

In a discussion about relationships:

  • “She’s a total unicorn—beautiful, smart, and caring, it’s hard to believe someone like her exists.”
    (Describing an exceptionally rare or ideal partner.)

Talking about a rare opportunity:

  • “This startup is a unicorn in the tech world; it’s grown exponentially in just a few years.”
    (Referring to a highly successful and rare business or opportunity.)

In the context of a rare collectible:

  • “I finally got my hands on a limited edition, rare comic book—it’s the unicorn of the collection!”
    (Describing a rare and highly desirable item.)

During a conversation about a one-of-a-kind experience:

 
 
  • That trip to the remote island was a unicorn experience; there were no other tourists and the view was unreal.”
    (Describing a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience.)

In a conversation about finding rare items:

  • “I’ve been searching for that vintage jacket for months, and finally found it. It’s like finding a unicorn!”
    (Referring to something very rare and hard to find.)

In the context of friendships:

  • “It’s hard to find a friend like her—she’s a total unicorn, always supportive and understanding.”
    (Describing a rare and exceptional friend.)

In a business or entrepreneurial context:

  • “The company just reached a billion-dollar valuation—definitely a unicorn in the startup world.”
    (Referring to a company that has achieved rare, outstanding success.)

Other Meanings

In 2013, the term “unicorn” was used to describe $1 billion start-up businesses because they were so rare due to the state of the economy. Although still described as recently as 2017 as “unicorns,” these companies are not as rare. Within the LGBTQ community, the word “unicorn” has also been used to describe a bi-sexual woman who sleeps with a couple consisting of a heterosexual man and a bi-sexual woman.

Sometimes when mentioned in this sense, the woman is represented with a unicorn emoji rather than using the actual word. Speaking of the unicorn emoji, the word and the emoji is used to represent the Unicode also. Finally, someone waiting for some sort of magical solution to a problem is said to be waiting for a “unicorn solution.”

Related Terms to Unicorn

  • Diamond in the Rough: Refers to someone or something valuable that is hard to find or needs refining to reach its full potential.
  • Holy Grail: Used to describe something that is highly sought after and difficult to obtain.
  • Needle in a Haystack: Indicates something that is very rare and hard to locate.
  • Hidden Gem: Refers to something valuable or impressive that is not widely recognized or known.
  • White Whale: Refers to an elusive or highly desirable goal that someone obsessively pursues.
  • Rare Bird: Used to describe a person or thing that is unique or unusual.
  • One of a Kind: Describes someone or something unique and without equal.
  • Elusive Prize: An item or person that is highly desirable but difficult to attain.
  • Catch: Refers to an ideal or desirable person, often in dating, like “a great catch.”
  • Collector’s Item: Something highly valuable and rare, often desired by collectors.

Alternatives to “Unicorn”

There are several different words that you could use in place of the word “unicorn” in the slang sense of the meaning stated above. Some of the words or phrases you could use instead include:

  • something rare
  • something magical
  • something one-of-a-kind

Unicorn Examples

Example Sentences

  • “Finding an employee with all these skills is like finding a unicorn in this industry.”
  • “She’s a total unicorn—smart, funny, and down-to-earth.”
  • “In the world of startups, reaching a billion-dollar valuation makes a company a unicorn.”
  • “That vintage car in perfect condition is a real unicorn for collectors.”
  • “He’s looking for a unicorn partner who shares his hobbies and values family time.”
  • “This deal is a unicorn; you don’t find opportunities like this every day.”
  • “A place that’s affordable, spacious, and in a great location? That’s a unicorn in this city.”

Example Conversations

A text message conversation between two friends:

  • Friend 1: I think that Michael might ask me to marry him tonight!
  • Friend 2: And what will you say if he does?
  • Friend 1: I will say yes! He is my unicorn!

An online conversation between two Facebook users:

  • User 1: If you are lucky enough to find your unicorn, make sure to hold onto him/her.
  • User 2: What on earth are you talking about? You can’t hold onto a unicorn. They aren’t even real!
  • User 1: It’s a metaphor. It means if you are lucky enough to find your soulmate because rarely people do, then hold onto them and never let them go!
  • User 2: Oh okay! That makes more sense to me now!
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