# What does ‘the black sheep’ mean?

To “the black sheep” means to the odd or discreditable member of a group. See also 'the black sheep of the family': Brewer's notes the old prejudice against black-fleeced sheep and the transferred sense.

## What it means

- See also 'the black sheep of the family': Brewer's notes the old prejudice against black-fleeced sheep and the transferred sense.

## Action steps

1. Used with a mix of affection and reproach.
2. Example: He's the black sheep of the family.

## Sources

- [Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (1898) — Internet Archive scan](https://archive.org/details/brewers-dictionary-of-phrase-and-fable)

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