Quote:
Originally posted by ThetaxiUW (in part)
Can only an animal be a mascot (I'd personally say no due to the fact)?
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The dictionary definition of
mascot is "A person, animal, or object believed to bring good luck, especially one kept as the symbol of an organization such as a sports team." The etymology is "[French mascotte,
sorcerer's charm,
mascot, from Provençal mascoto,
sorcery,
fetish, from masco,
witch, ultimately from Medieval Latin masca,
mask,
specter,
witch.]"
The distinction between a symbol and mascot is the symbol represents an organization while a mascot acts as a charm to protect or bring good luck to the organization. Looking at it in the context of a football game, the mascot is not simply synonymous with the team nickname: the mascot is the animal (or person dressed as an animal or character) brought out to the field during the game to bring the team luck.
FWIW.