File:Pawphi.png

English: The PhiPaw is a proposed symbol to represent furries, The initial suggestion and discussion for this concept occurred in January 2007 on the Yiffstar's forums, on a thread entitled "Some discreet way of telling others we're furry." After a general consensus of using a "symbol" as a way to achieve this, an image combining or juxtaposing the Greek letter Phi with a fox pawprint icon (originally suggested by SalemFuchs [now known as Kirara_Munashi'i]) was created and deemed as the most ideal solution.

"Phi" (upper case Φ or ${\displaystyle \Phi }$; lower case φ, ${\displaystyle \phi }$ or ${\displaystyle \varphi }$) was selected as it represents both the letter "F" in the modern Greek language ("F"urry,) and the Golden Ratio, which some Yiffstar users perceive is a symbolic metaphor for the equal balance between furries and nature.

As of February 2007, discussions about whether to use this symbol, another symbol or no symbol at all are still ongoing. At the moment, it appears to be approved, however, the general consensus is that the pawprint may be able to reflect a fur's fursona, (ie, a wolf furry could have a wolf pawprint, a dragon could have a dragon clawprint etc.) and the color can also change (ie. rainbow pawprints for LGBT furs).