What is a black sheep in Latin?

Question

It is easy to translate "black sheep" literally: ovis nigra. I suspect that this phrase does not have the same meaning as in English (and Finnish), judging by its absence in literature — assuming my searches were correct. Is there a Latin phrase that means a disreputable member in a group, preferably classical?

score 11 · Accepted Answer · edited Jun 03 '16 at 07:18

11

Maybe dedecus familiae, the shame of or to the family (e.g. Cicero pro Cluentio).

C. D. Yonge translates Cicero's original dedecus familiae as "disgrace of his family", which is what a black sheep means.

edited Jun 03 '16 at 07:18

Joonas Ilmavirta

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answered Jun 03 '16 at 03:14

Robert B

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score 5 · Answer 2 · answered Jun 06 '16 at 12:31

superbis iuvenibus the 'proud young men' (dative pl) are described as

siccis herbis 'withered crops.' (1310 - 20 de Lisle Psalter:)

However, this is closer to "He's such a disappointment," than "The black sheep of the family." Alternatively,

impius, (3) undutiful (Ainsworth & Mead)

Filius impius in patrem (Tacitus)

What is a black sheep in Latin?

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