Definition

1. Noun:
   • A malevolent supernatural being from folklore: A "bad fairy" is specifically a type of fairy, a mythical creature often depicted with magical powers, that is characterized by its harmful, mischievous, or evil intentions and actions.

Usage

• The term "bad fairy" is used to describe a fairy character in stories, myths, or folklore who brings misfortune, curses, or trouble, often in contrast to benevolent or good fairies.
• It functions as a countable noun.

Examples

• In the story, the bad fairy cursed the princess to sleep for a hundred years.
• The children were warned not to go into the woods because of the bad fairy who lived there.
• Not all fairies are friendly; you must be cautious of a bad fairy.

Advanced Usage

• The concept is often used in literary analysis to discuss archetypal characters representing envy, malice, or the disruptive force in a narrative.
• In modern fantasy genres, a "bad fairy" might be a complex antagonist with nuanced motivations, not purely evil.

Variants and Related Words

• Malicious fairy: A more formal or descriptive synonym.
• Evil fairy: A common alternative with a stronger connotation of outright wickedness.
• Dark fairy: A variant sometimes used in contemporary fantasy to describe a fairy aligned with darker magic or themes.

Synonyms

• Malevolent fairy
• Wicked fairy
• Hag (though this often refers specifically to an ugly old witch, the roles can overlap in folklore)

Antonyms

• Good fairy
• Fairy godmother
• Benevolent fairy

Idioms and Phrases

• "Like a bad fairy at the christening": Used to describe someone who brings bad news, criticism, or a negative atmosphere to a happy or celebratory event. This idiom directly references the archetypal bad fairy from tales like who delivers a curse during a celebration.
  • He arrived with his complaints like a bad fairy at the christening, ruining the party mood.

Noun

1. a fairy that tends to cause harm