Zeitgeist...

[DirdySanchez]

I am looking for words/phrases along the same lines as 'zeitgeist' but with the 'time' element as the variable.

Closest I have so far is 'Esprit de Corps'.

Any ideas?

Thanks!

[violetblue]

I don't know what you mean exactly as the time element being the 'variable', but it's literal translation is 'spirit of the times' - were you looking for something other than this? I can't quite understand your question.

[DirdySanchez]

The simplist definition of 'zeitgeist' is as below:

'the spirit of the time; the spirit characteristic of an age or generation'

What I am looking for are words phrases that mean the same as the above description, but changing 'time' for other factors ie 'place'.

[violetblue]

ie words which mean 'the spirit of the place'? Is 'atmosphere' too basic?!!

[DirdySanchez]

Yes I think so, doesn't really have the same depth or emotive meaning in its 'common usage'.

I have stumbled across 'Genius loci' which is along the right lines...

[jno]

I think genius loci is the phrase you're after, but it's pretty rare and won't be widely understood (I don't think it really has a 'common usage'). It might be simpler, if possible, just to say 'the spirit of London' - or Paris, or Marrakech, or wherever.