Maverick Meaning Animal

MAVERICK: The Meaning Explained

Unbranded and Independent

The term "maverick" originates from the realm of cattle ranching. It refers to an unbranded animal, particularly a calf that has become separated from its mother. In the vast cattle ranges of the United States and Canada, unbranded calves often become the property of the first person to brand them.

Extended Meaning: Independent Thinking and Action

Beyond its literal meaning in ranching, the term "maverick" has also taken on a figurative sense. It is now widely used to describe a person who thinks and acts independently, often diverging from established norms or group expectations.

Origins in Literature

The term "maverick" gained widespread recognition in the United States in the 19th century due to the popular Western novel "The Maverick" by Owen Wister. The novel depicted a young rancher who defied traditional cattle-ranching practices, exemplifying the independent spirit associated with the term.