Black Sheep - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

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SKIP TO CONTENT black sheep /ˌˈblæk ˌʃip/ IPA guide

If you have a cousin who seems to be the one troublemaker in your family, you can call her the black sheep. In other words, she doesn't seem to fit in with the rest of your family members.

The black sheep is the odd one out, whether he's a disgrace to the family or just doesn't seem to belong. The origin of the phrase comes from the rare presence in a flock of white sheep of a sheep with black fleece. Rather than being a delightful surprise, these black sheep were a disappointment, since their wool couldn't be dyed.

Definitions of black sheep

noun sheep with a black coat see moresee less type of: sheep woolly usually horned ruminant mammal related to the goat
noun a reckless and unprincipled reprobate synonyms: scapegrace see moresee less type of: miscreant, reprobate a person without moral scruples

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