black sheep: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2informal, idiomatic
Quick answer
What does “black sheep” mean?
A person who is considered a disgrace or failure compared to other family members.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who is considered a disgrace or failure compared to other family members.
Any member of a group who stands out negatively or does not conform to the group's norms, often bringing shame or disapproval.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or grammatical differences; used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly more common in British English as a family metaphor, but difference is minimal.
Frequency
Medium frequency in both varieties; slightly higher in UK corpus data due to cultural emphasis on family reputation.
Grammar
How to Use “black sheep” in a Sentence
be the black sheep of (the family)regard someone as the black sheepbecome the black sheepVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “black sheep” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- black-sheep relative
- black-sheep cousin
American English
- black-sheep brother
- black-sheep sibling
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, but can describe an underperforming division or employee who doesn't fit corporate culture.
Academic
Used in sociology/psychology to discuss family dynamics and deviance.
Everyday
Common in conversations about family problems or personal relationships.
Technical
Not used in scientific contexts except metaphorically in social sciences.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “black sheep”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “black sheep”
- Using as adjective (*He is black sheep) instead of noun phrase (He is the black sheep).
- Confusing with "scapegoat" (blame-taker) vs. black sheep (disappointment).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Rarely; the term inherently carries negative judgment from the group's perspective, though individuals might reclaim it proudly.
It can be hurtful when directed at someone, as it implies they are a disappointment or embarrassment.
Yes, metaphorically (e.g., 'the black sheep of the industry'), but primary usage remains familial.
From the literal rarity and lower value of black sheep's wool compared to white in traditional farming.
A person who is considered a disgrace or failure compared to other family members.
Black sheep is usually informal, idiomatic in register.
Black sheep: in British English it is pronounced /ˌblæk ˈʃiːp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌblæk ˈʃip/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “black sheep of the family”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a flock of white sheep with one black sheep standing out—just like a family member who doesn't fit in.
Conceptual Metaphor
DEVIATION IS A DIFFERENT COLOR / NONCONFORMITY IS VISIBLE DIFFERENCE
Practice
Quiz
Which situation best illustrates 'black sheep'?