The phrase ‘It’s a unicorn’ has gained popularity in various contexts, and its meaning can differ depending on the situation. At its core, the word ‘unicorn’ refers to a mythical creature known for its rarity, beauty, and magical qualities. However, in modern language, ‘It’s a unicorn’ is often used metaphorically to describe something or someone that is extremely rare, unique, or almost impossible to find. This phrase can be found in business, dating, technology, and even everyday conversations to emphasize the extraordinary nature of an object, person, or event.
The Literal Meaning of Unicorn
Originally, a unicorn is a legendary animal depicted as a horse with a single, spiraling horn protruding from its forehead. This mythical creature symbolizes purity, grace, and rarity in various cultures throughout history. The unicorn has appeared in literature, art, and folklore for centuries as a symbol of something rare and precious.
Symbolism of Unicorns in History
- Purity and Innocence: In medieval Europe, unicorns represented purity and were often associated with virgins and innocence.
- Magic and Mystery: The unicorn’s horn was believed to have magical healing powers.
- Rarity: Since unicorns were believed to be almost impossible to find, they became symbols of rare and unattainable things.
Modern Uses of ‘It’s a Unicorn’
In contemporary language, ‘It’s a unicorn’ is widely used beyond its literal meaning. It has become a metaphor for describing anything that is exceptionally rare, valuable, or unique. Below are some common areas where this phrase is applied.
In Business and Startups
One of the most popular uses of the term ‘unicorn’ is in the business world, especially regarding startups. A ‘unicorn’ startup refers to a privately held company valued at over one billion dollars. The term was coined because such startups are extremely rare and highly sought after by investors.
- Rarity: Billion-dollar startups are rare, making them ‘unicorns’ in the investment world.
- Value: These companies represent huge potential and success.
- Examples: Companies like Uber, Airbnb, and SpaceX were considered unicorns during their early growth stages.
In Dating and Relationships
In the dating world, especially in polyamory or open relationships, ‘unicorn’ refers to a person who is willing to join an existing couple as a third partner. This kind of partner is considered extremely rare and difficult to find, hence the nickname ‘unicorn.’
- Uniqueness: A unicorn in this context is someone who fits very specific and uncommon criteria.
- Rarity: Such individuals are rare due to the complexity of the relationship dynamics.
- Challenges: Finding a ‘unicorn’ requires trust, communication, and compatibility.
In Technology and Products
Tech enthusiasts and marketers also use ‘it’s a unicorn’ to describe innovative products or technologies that stand out from the crowd because of their uniqueness or groundbreaking features.
- Innovation: Products or tech that offer revolutionary changes are often called unicorns.
- Market Impact: Unicorn products have the potential to transform industries or create new markets.
- Example: The first smartphone or a new software that dramatically improves user experience might be called a unicorn.
Why Do People Say ‘It’s a Unicorn’?
People use the phrase to emphasize how special, rare, or valuable something is. It is often said with a sense of admiration or disbelief because the object, person, or situation stands out so much from the norm.
Expressing Rarity
Using ‘it’s a unicorn’ helps highlight the scarcity of what is being described. It suggests that encountering or achieving such a thing is extraordinary.
Adding a Sense of Wonder
Because unicorns are magical creatures in stories, the phrase can also convey a sense of wonder or awe, implying that the thing in question is almost magical or unbelievable.
Creating Value and Excitement
Marketers, entrepreneurs, and storytellers use the term to generate excitement and perceived value around a product, idea, or person, making it more appealing or noteworthy.
Examples of ‘It’s a Unicorn’ in Everyday Language
Here are some ways people might use this phrase in different contexts:
- At work: ‘Finding a candidate with both coding skills and management experience is a unicorn these days.’
- In dating: ‘A partner who is honest, fun, and understands my lifestyle? It’s a unicorn!’
- Shopping: ‘This vintage car is a unicorn so rare and in such great condition.’
- Tech talk: ‘This app that does everything we need in one place? Total unicorn.’
Understanding the Implications of Calling Something a Unicorn
While calling something a unicorn is generally positive, it can also carry certain implications about expectations and pressure.
High Expectations
Labeling something a unicorn sets very high expectations, which can sometimes lead to disappointment if the object or person does not live up to the hype.
Scarcity and Difficulty
It also highlights the difficulty in finding or replicating the item or quality described, which can be both motivating and frustrating.
Potential Exclusivity
Sometimes, the idea of a unicorn creates exclusivity, which might discourage people from feeling like they can achieve or find that rare thing.
How to Use the Phrase ‘It’s a Unicorn’ Correctly
To use ‘It’s a unicorn’ effectively, consider the context and the audience. It’s best used when you want to emphasize rarity or uniqueness with a positive tone.
- Use in informal conversation: It works well when chatting with friends or colleagues to describe something unusual.
- Use in marketing: Highlighting a product or service’s unique selling points.
- Use in storytelling: Adding flair to descriptions of rare or extraordinary events.
‘It’s a unicorn’ is a versatile phrase that captures the imagination by referring to something rare, unique, and often magical. Whether in business, relationships, technology, or everyday conversation, the phrase helps emphasize exceptional qualities and the difficulty of finding or replicating certain things. Understanding this meaning allows you to appreciate its metaphorical richness and use it appropriately to convey admiration and highlight uniqueness. Next time you come across something extraordinary, you might just say, ‘It’s a unicorn!’