black sheep
Meaning
A person seen as different from others in a family or group, often viewed as a disgrace or outsider.
Origin
From sheep farming: most sheep are white; a black-fleeced sheep stood out and its wool was once considered less valuable or harder to dye, becoming a metaphor for a disreputable outlier.
Notes
Usually negative (the embarrassing/problem member of a group), but can be used humorously or proudly to mean a nonconformist.
Examples
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He was always the black sheep of the family, choosing art school over the family business.
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After the scandal, the politician became the black sheep of his party.
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In a team of punctual people, I’m the black sheep who’s always a few minutes late.
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She felt like the black sheep at work because she questioned the usual way of doing things.
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Even though he’s the black sheep, they still invite him to every family gathering.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Typically used as a noun phrase: “the black sheep (of the family/group).” Often with “of the …” to specify the group; plural “black sheep” is common (sheep is same form).
Synonyms
- outsider
- odd one out
- misfit
- family disgrace
- outcast
Antonyms
- golden child
- model citizen
- favorite child