Buzz
1. What is black sheep?
Pronunciation: UK /ˌblæk ˈʃiːp/ US /ˌblæk ˈʃiːp/
Black sheep in English is used to refer to someone who has done something bad that makes their family feel ashamed.
E.g.
- He’s the black sheep of the family.(Anh ấy là con cừu đen của gia đình.)
- John is the black sheep of the family. He dropped out of school and got into trouble with the law. (John là con cừu đen trong gia đình. Anh ấy bỏ học và gặp rắc rối với pháp luật.)
In addition, black sheep is used to describe a person with actions or characteristics different from the group or other members of the family. It is often used with a negative connotation, implying stubbornness.
E.g.
- She had different interests, and we stupidly thought of her as a black sheep. (Cô ấy có những sở thích khác nhau, và chúng tôi đã ngu ngốc nghĩ cô ấy như một con cừu đen.)
- Among all the hardworking employees, he’s considered the black sheep because of his lazy attitude. (Trong số những nhân viên chăm chỉ, anh ta được coi là con cừu đen vì thái độ lười biếng của mình.)
2. What is the concept of the black sheep of the family?
The term black sheep of the family is used to describe a unique member within the family, very different from the others, often subject to differential treatment by the entire family.
E.g. Sarah is the black sheep of the family. While her siblings are all successful doctors, she chose to pursue a career in art. Sarah is the black sheep of the family. While her siblings are all successful doctors, she chose to pursue a career in art.
3. What is the origin of black sheep?
The phrase black sheep has its origins in sheep farming. In a flock of sheep, most sheep have white wool, but occasionally there are some sheep with black wool. These sheep are called black sheep.
Black wool is less valuable than white wool, so the typical meaning of 'black sheep' has been extended to refer to someone who is unsuitable or not acceptable within a group or family.
4. What is the black sheep effect?
The black sheep effect is a term used in social psychology to describe the phenomenon when a person in a family or group is perceived as different or inappropriate compared to other members.
This effect implies the isolation, ostracism, or criticism that person faces from those around them.
5. The downsides of having a black sheep in the family
5.1. Establishing and negotiating boundaries with family members
Those considered black sheep will create distance from the family by limiting contact with relatives or moving far away. They feel inherently different and struggle to integrate into their current environment. Therefore, they choose to move away to find a suitable place.
5.2. Living true to oneself but not supported by the family
Black sheep will choose to live true to themselves rather than conform to stereotypes. Although they know this will affect their relationship with family members, they will continue to do so.
5.3. Facing harsh criticism
Black sheep often face pressure and criticism from those around them. They may be judged, criticized, and not valued for their differences. This can lead to feelings of inferiority, stress, and difficulty in finding acceptance and belonging within the group.
6. At what stage does the black sheep phenomenon appear in a family?
According to some studies, the black sheep phenomenon typically appears in large families. When one of the children reaches adolescence, they start to have different thoughts.
At that time, they will be treated differently from their siblings. In fact, many parents use derogatory words towards their own child. This will make the child feel more ashamed.
7. Differentiating between black sheep and different
The terms black sheep and different both refer to someone or something outstanding or different within a group. However, they differ in the following ways:
Black sheep is an idiom used to describe someone who is considered inappropriate for family or society due to their behavior, beliefs, or values.
This term often carries a negative connotation, indicating the individual is not loved, not suitable, and feels estranged from the rest.
E.g. My parents think I’m the black sheep of the family. My parents and my brother are all doctors at prestigious hospitals, but I chose to be a freelance singer.
In this situation, choosing to be a singer instead of pursuing a medical career is seen as inappropriate by family values.
Different is an adjective used to describe a person or thing that is unlike others. This difference does not necessarily mean the person is unloved or opposed but rather highlights their deviation from the usual standards.
In some cases, such differences can be highly valued or honored for their uniqueness.
E.g. I differ from my family. My parents and my brother are all doctors at prestigious hospitals, but I chose to be a freelance singer.
In this situation, being a singer simply means being different from being a doctor, without carrying a negative connotation.
8. Synonyms for black sheep phrases
- Outcast: người bị đày đọa, người bị xã hội cô lập
E.g. Lisa always felt like the outcast in her family because she was the only one who pursued a career in acting.
- Misfit: người không phù hợp, không hòa đồng
E.g. John was seen as the odd one out in the group due to his different interests and hobbies.
- Odd one out: người ngoại lệ
E.g. Among all the engineers in the family, Mary stood out as she chose to become a writer.
- Black duck: vùng Úc và New Zealand, tương đương với black sheep
E.g. In the farming community, Peter was known as the black duck because he didn’t follow traditional farming practices.
- Square peg in a round hole: người không phù hợp, không thích hợp với môi trường hay tình huống
E.g. Sarah always felt like she didn’t quite fit into the corporate world because her creative thinking didn’t align with the rigid corporate culture.
- Rebel (người nổi loạn, người chống đối):
E.g. James was seen as the rebel in his family because he constantly challenged authority and questioned the status quo.
- Nonconformist: người không tuân thủ quy tắc, không đồng điệu
E.g. Emma’s unconventional lifestyle and rejection of societal norms labeled her as a nonconformist among her conservative relatives.
- Black swan: được sử dụng để ám chỉ sự hiếm có và khác biệt
9. Specific scenarios using the term black sheep
- John: Hey, did you hear about Peter? He got arrested last night.
- Tim: Peter? You mean your cousin?
- John: Yeah, that’s the one. He’s always been the black sheep of the family.
- Tim: I’m sorry to hear that. What did he do this time?
- John: Apparently, he got caught stealing from a convenience store.
- Tim: Wow, that’s not good. Do you think your aunt and uncle will bail him out again?
- John: I don’t know. They’re pretty fed up with him at this point. They might finally wash their hands of him and let him face the consequences of his actions.
- Tim: It’s tough having a black sheep in the family. I hope things work out for all of you.
