animal spirits

noun

1. exuberance arising from an excess of energy; vivacity and good humor:

   The children romped on the lawn, full of animal spirits.

animal spirits

plural noun

1. cheerful and exuberant boisterousness

Word History and Origins

Origin of animal spirits¹

First recorded in 1535–45

Word History and Origins

Origin of animal spirits¹

originally, referring to a vital force believed to be dispatched throughout the body by the brain

Example Sentences

I don’t know about you, but the arrival of a “partnerships manager” on the scene always roils my animal spirits.

From Los Angeles Times

The tug-of-war between rekindling animal spirits at home and slowdowns abroad will be showcased in GDP numbers on Wednesday, following a rapid rebound from recession in the previous quarter's figures.

From Reuters

"Some of the retail animal spirits are coming back, but it's a little bit more complex than the first time around," said Thomas Hayes, managing member at Great Hill Capital.

From Reuters

"We are all looking for something a bit more decisive in helping to restore animal spirits, investor confidence and market confidence, and I think that hope may be still at risk of being disappointed."

From Reuters

Although a lacklustre 0.6% rise in Asia's main stock market gauge, led by Hong Kong tech names, shows that animal spirits haven't returned yet, there's hope for investors who have been left licking their wounds from recent market declines, especially in bank and tech stocks.

From Reuters