An angel is a spiritual being found in many religions, usually shown as a messenger or helper from God. In everyday speech, 'angel' can also mean a very kind or helpful person.
From Old English 'engel', from Latin 'angelus', from Greek 'ángelos' meaning 'messenger'. The religious meaning developed from this idea of a divine messenger.
The word started out meaning just 'messenger', which shows how jobs can become identities in language. That’s also why we call a generous investor an 'angel'—they’re seen as a helpful, almost magical messenger of money and support.
In many cultures, “angel” has been used both for religious beings and as a gendered compliment or stereotype, especially for women and girls expected to be pure, obedient, or self-sacrificing. In media, “angel” can sexualize or idealize women while erasing their complexity.
Avoid using “angel” as a gendered stereotype or expectation; if used as an endearment, be attentive to consent and context.
["kind person","helper","supporter"]
Women’s religious and community leadership has often been reduced to “angelic” service roles, obscuring their intellectual and organizational contributions.
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