2007-12-30 11:33:59 · 28 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Other - Cultures & Groups
the odd one out of the family
2007-12-30 11:36:06 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 9⤊ 0⤋
Black sheep is an English language idiom - usually derogatory - which describes an odd or disreputable member of a group, especially within one's family.[1] The term originated from the fact that the occasional black sheep will be born into a herd of white sheep due to genetic phenomenon of recessive traits; white sheep whiteness is not albinism but a dominant white caused by a gene that actively switches color production off. Black sheep were considered commercially undesirable because their wool cannot be dyed as white wool can.[1]
A black lamb born to a white eweIn psychology, a black sheep is the member of a rigidly triangulated family, who holds the rest tightly together by being identified as the bad/sick/deviant one who causes all the family problems. In this situation, the rule enforcer in the family is charged with the job of controlling the black sheep from revealing the family secrets. The black sheep is seen as an outsider, but only because he is a teller of truth.
The phrase "white sheep" can be used to refer to someone who is the outcast of a group of criminals, e.g., one who is law abiding.
2007-12-30 11:54:10 · answer #2 · answered by Quizard 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Black sheep comes from the fact that a herd of white sheep will sometimes produce a black sheep through a recessive gene. It was undesireable because the wool can't be used as much as from white sheep.
This carried over when talking about families, talking about the undesireable member of the family (usually the problem-child).
2007-12-30 11:38:10 · answer #3 · answered by gaelicspawn 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Families usually set thier own values and standards.Any family member that goes against those values and standards will be deemed the black sheep of the family.
It's like judging someone to be the odd one out.
I think its a horrible term.
2007-12-30 11:48:16 · answer #4 · answered by Niamh 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
An outcast. Someone disowned by the rest of the group as unworthy and of no value to the group.
The wool of a black sheep is practically worthless, as it cannot be dyed.
2007-12-30 11:40:40 · answer #5 · answered by Michael B 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It is a phrase used to refer to a family member that doesn't live up to the family's expectations in life style and/or activities.
Depending on the family, it can mean just that they are less formal in attire and demeanor or it can mean they are criminally inclined rather than law-abiding or anything in between.
2007-12-30 11:39:09 · answer #6 · answered by PuterPrsn 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
If you see a field of sheep, you might get a black one in it, think it is from that ....ie the black sheep in the family. Hope it helps, Naomi.
2007-12-30 11:56:41 · answer #7 · answered by Naomi B 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
The 'black sheep' has secrets which the family feel are shameful.
(The family maybe need to get out more...)
2007-12-30 11:38:55 · answer #8 · answered by franja 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
The person in the family who doe's not conform to the family values
2007-12-30 11:37:56 · answer #9 · answered by kim 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
The one who is different. Not always shunned, but thinks and acts indepentantly.
Not everyone agrees with their life or the way they live, but that is ok. Nuthin wrong with being different...now is there?????
Sometimes everyone wishes they were them, and had the guts to be an individual!!
2007-12-30 14:18:56 · answer #10 · answered by Dragonfly 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋