black sheep
A deviant or eccentric; the least successful, least admirable member of a group. Black sheep were long considered less valuable than white ones because their wool could not readily be dyed. Several sixteenth-century writers wrote of the black sheep as a dangerous (“perilous”) animal, among them John Lyly. In the eighteenth century, the application to the human deviant became common. Sir Walter Scott wrote, “The curates know best the black sheep of the flock” (1816), and “the black sheep of the family” was an increasingly common way of singling out the odd member.
Related Expressions:
- Oddball: A person whose behavior or interests are unusual.
- Square peg in a round hole: Someone unsuited for their position or environment.
- Fish out of water: Feeling uncomfortable or unaccustomed to a particular situation.
- Maverick: An independent-minded person.
Proverbs & Inspirational Quotes:
- “The black sheep provides us all wool.” - Ancient Proverb
- “Being different isn’t a bad thing. It means you’re brave enough to be yourself.” - Luna Lovegood, J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter Series
- “Blessed are the weird people: poets, misfits, writers, mystics, painters, troubadours; for they teach us to see the world through different eyes.” - Jacob Nordby
Recommended Literature, Books, Songs, Poetry, and Movies:
- Literature: “Don Quixote” by Miguel de Cervantes - Dive into the world of a character who dared to be different.
- Books: “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger – Iconic tale of feeling out of place.
- Songs: “Black Sheep” by Metric - A rock anthem for all misfits.
- Poetry: “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost - Celebrating individualism and unconventional choices.
- Movies: “Edward Scissorhands” - A modern fairy tale about accepting eccentricities and embracing the unique.
🖋️ Inspirational Thought: Embrace the black sheep within you. Remember, being different doesn’t mean you’re wrong, it means you’re courageous enough to stand out. Chart your own path, and let the world see the colors of your unique wool. 🐏✨
