Black sheep (term)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Black sheep is a derogatory colloquialism in the English language meaning an outsider or one who is different in a way which others disapprove of. This can be someone who has been shunned by others, or one who has chosen to be an outsider, due to actions and aims that separate them from the rest of the people or "flock". A typical example might be a family member who has chosen to follow a religion other than that of the rest of their family.
The term originated from the fact that the occasional black sheep will be born into a herd of white sheep. Black sheep were considered undesirable because their wool cannot be dyed. White is the preferred colour for wool as it is most easily dyed and thus easiest to market.
The phrase White Sheep can be used to refer to someone who is the outcast of a group of criminals i.e., one who is law abiding. In the Harry Potter universe, Sirius Black is a significant example of a white sheep.
