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The ‘Capybara’ Meme

The Rise in Popularity of Capybaras Worldwide

Introduction:
Capybaras are the largest rodents in the world. (Other rodents are mice and rats.) “Capys” and they have become very popular in many countries, including China and the United States. These gentle animals are native (from a specific place originally, NAY-tiv) to South America, but people everywhere admire them for their calm and friendly personalities.

Capybaras in China:
In China, capybaras symbolize (represent an idea, SIM-buh-lize) mental stability (emotional balance or calmness, steh-BIL-uh-tee). Many Chinese people believe capybaras can bring good luck and help people feel peaceful. Some shops sell small capybara toys or decorations to use as charms (small objects believed to bring good luck, CHARMS). Capybaras are also popular in memes (funny or interesting pictures shared online, MEEMS) on social media.

Capybaras in the United States:
In the United States, capybaras have become trendy (very popular for a short time, TREN-dee) because of their appearances in viral (shared by many people quickly, VY-ruhl) videos. People love watching them relax in hot springs or hang out with other animals like ducks and cats. Capybaras have also inspired (caused someone to feel a certain way, in-SPY-erd) many products, such as clothing, plush toys, and artwork.

Why People Love Capybaras:
Capybaras are known for being calm and friendly. They can live peacefully with many other animals, which makes people think of them as easy-going (relaxed and calm, EE-zee-GO-ing). They are also very social (enjoying being with others, SO-shuhl), which is why they often appear happy and relaxed in videos.

Advanced Vocabulary:

1. Symbolize (SIM-buh-lize): To represent an idea or quality.
2. Stability (steh-BIL-uh-tee): The condition of being steady and calm.
3. Charm (CHARM): A small object believed to bring good luck.
4. Meme (MEEM): A funny or interesting picture or video shared online.
5. Trendy (TREN-dee): Very popular for a short time.
6. Viral (VY-ruhl): Something shared very quickly by many people.
7. Inspire (in-SPY-ur): To make someone feel a certain emotion or idea.
8. Easy-going (EE-zee-GO-ing): Relaxed and not easily upset.
9. Social (SO-shuhl): Enjoying being with other people.
10. Native (NAY-tiv): Originally from a specific place.

Discussion Questions:

1. Why do you think people find capybaras so relaxing?
2. Are there any animals in your country that symbolize good luck?
3. Would you want to keep a capybara as a pet? Why or why not?

Capybaras, water-dwelling and pig-like in appearance, feature bean-like eyes and noticeable nostrils, exuding a non-threatening simplicity. They’re sociable creatures known for forming friendly relationships with other creatures. Intelligent and wise, they’re social butterflies with a calm and placid demeanor. Capybaras seem to be the epitome of ‘mental stability’, the sought-after trait desired by white collar professionals in China. Emoji packs, short videos, IP branding collaborations are originating from capybaras are gaining widespread traction on social media.