enfant terrible

Thân thiện

A young enfant terrible wears mismatched socks to a formal event.

Definition

Noun: A person, often in the arts or another creative field, whose unorthodox, shocking, or unconventional behavior, ideas, or work causes embarrassment or consternation to a more traditional establishment or group. This person is typically seen as a brilliant but disruptive force.

Usage

This term is used to describe an individual who challenges norms and provokes a reaction, often within a specific professional or social circle. It implies a mix of talent and troublesome behavior.

Examples

• The young director was hailed as the enfant terrible of French cinema for his provocative films.
• As the enfant terrible of the fashion world, her outrageous designs constantly shocked the industry's old guard.
• He built his reputation as an enfant terrible of journalism, publishing articles that deliberately angered political leaders.

Advanced Usage

• The term can sometimes be used with a degree of admiration for the individual's audacity and innovation, despite the disruption they cause.
• It is often applied to young people but can describe a person of any age who maintains a deliberately provocative stance.

Variants and Related Words

• Provocateur (n): A person who provokes trouble, controversy, or debate.
• Maverick (n): An independent individual who does not go along with a group or party. (This lacks the connotation of causing embarrassment.)
• Nonconformist (n): A person whose behavior or views do not conform to prevailing ideas or practices.

Synonyms

• Rebel
• Troublemaker
• Iconoclast
• Firebrand

Antonyms

• Conformist
• Traditionalist
• Conservative

Related Idioms/Phrases

• Agent provocateur: A person who secretly encourages others to commit illegal or controversial acts so they can be caught or discredited. (This is more specific and sinister than "enfant terrible.")
• To rock the boat: To cause trouble or disruption, especially by challenging the status quo. (This is a verbal phrase describing similar action.)

Học thuật

Noun

1. a person whose unconventional behavior embarrasses others