What is a Bruin?

Bruins are members of a long-standing tradition at many universities and colleges around the world. Bruins are typically seen as mascot characters or logos that represent the university or college, but what does the term ‘bruin’ actually mean? In order to understand what a bruin is, it’s important to first look at the history of its use and origin.

History and Origin

The term ‘bruin’ is derived from the old Dutch word “brūne”, which literally means ‘brown/dark’. The term was first used to refer to the European Brown Bear and is also used to describe the animal in some parts of the United States. Over time, the term has evolved to become a popular mascot name used to describe various athletic teams from universities and colleges.

Bruins in Classics

The term ‘bruin’ has a rich history in the world of literature. One of the first references to bruins can be found in the classic novel The Call of the Wild by Jack London. In this book, the main character, Buck, is described as a ‘grim, long-haired, large-eyed, lonely bruin’ that forages for food in the wilderness around him. It’s this classic reference that has helped the term become such a popular mascot name for teams around the world.

Bruins Today

Today, bruins are most often used as the mascot of college and university sports teams around the world. The term is synonymous with power, athleticism, and loyalty – all of which are important traits for athletes to have in order to succeed. From the UCLA Bruins to the Baylor Bears, the list of university and college teams that use the term in their name continues to grow.

Final Words

The term ‘bruin’ has a rich history and is a well-recognized mascot name for teams around the world. It’s a term that symbolizes power, athleticism, and loyalty – all important traits for any athlete to strive for. Whether you’re cheering on your favorite team, or simply fans of the classic novel, there is no doubt that the ‘bruin’ continues to be an iconic part of university sports today.