animal spirits

American  

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 British  

plural noun

1. cheerful and exuberant boisterousness

---

Etymology

Origin of animal spirits

First recorded in 1535–45

Example Sentences

Notice the break above a short term downtrend on the ratio chart against the S&P 500, which is another good sign of returning animal spirits.

From Barron's • Apr. 22, 2026

It’s on the supply-side, in a dearth of animal spirits and domestic competition.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 8, 2026

“All of these, not to mention the S&P 500’s linear rally nearing 40% from the 4/7 intraday low, have ignited corporate and investor animal spirits alike,” he says.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 13, 2025

It is a critical few months for the animal spirits in the economy to reignite.

From BBC • Jan. 31, 2025

Sharpe could not abide music; something in its vibrations agitated his animal spirits and contributed to his peevish disposition.

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume I: The Pox Party" by M.T. Anderson