Out of the blue

[0369] Black sheep (of the family)

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English Idioms
All Idioms

Explanation

  • A person who is considered a disgrace, embarrassment, or simply different and disapproved of by their family or group.
  • The odd one out, often seen as behaving badly or making unconventional life choices.

Origin

  • Literal black sheep were historically less desirable to shepherds because their black wool couldn't be dyed easily and thus fetched a lower price.
  • Metaphorically, the term came to represent someone different and less valued within a group, particularly a family.
  • The negative connotation implies deviation from the expected norms or standards of the group. Biblical parables sometimes mention separating sheep, but the direct link to 'black sheep' as an idiom is more agricultural/economic.

Synonyms & Related Expressions

  • Outcast
  • Misfit
  • Rebel
  • Odd one out
  • Scapegoat (often overlaps, but implies blame is unfairly placed)
  • Bad apple (implies a negative influence on others)

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

  • Troublemaker
  • Wild child
  • The different one (more neutral)
  • Problem child

Milder:

  • The unconventional one
  • Marches to the beat of their own drum (can be positive or neutral)

Situational Appropriateness

  • Generally informal.
  • Can be sensitive; applying it to someone else might sound judgmental. People sometimes self-identify with the term, often with a mix of defiance and acceptance.

Misunderstanding Warnings

  • While the negative connotation is usual, some people reclaim the term positively to mean unique or independent. Context is key.

Examples

  • He was always the black sheep of the family, constantly getting into trouble.
  • She felt like the black sheep because she pursued art instead of medicine like her siblings.
  • Every family seems to have a black sheep.

Dialogue

Layla: My brother is visiting next week. Brace yourself.

Tom: Oh yeah? Is he the black sheep I've heard about?

Layla: (Sighs) That's putting it mildly. He always manages to stir up drama. But he's still family.

Social Media Examples

  • Bio: Proud black sheep of the family. Artist, traveler, rule-breaker. 🖤 #blacksheep #beyourself
  • Reddit Post Title: AITA [Am I the Asshole] for being the black sheep and not wanting to attend the perfect family reunion?
  • Tweet: Thinking about all the 'black sheep' out there who broke family cycles. It's tough but important work. #familydynamics #healing

Response Patterns

  • Curiosity: Oh really? Why do you say that? / What did they do?
  • Sympathy/Understanding: That must have been tough for them. / It's hard being different.
  • Agreement/Shared experience: I know what you mean, my cousin is the black sheep in our family.

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

After someone is identified as a black sheep:

  • Asking for specifics about their behavior or choices: What makes them the black sheep?
  • Inquiring about their relationship with the family: How does the family treat them?
  • Discussing the family dynamics in general.

Conversation Starter

  • Can be, especially when discussing family dynamics or personal identity. Do you ever feel like the black sheep in your group?

Intonation

  • Stress on BLACK SHEEP.
  • Can be said judgmentally, sympathetically, factually, or even proudly (if self-identifying).

Generation Differences

  • Widely understood across generations. The perception of what makes someone a black sheep might change.

Regional Variations

  • Common in all major English-speaking regions.
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