enfant terrible

[ ahn-fahn te-ree-bluh ]
/ ɑ̃ fɑ̃ tɛˈri blə /

noun, plural en·fants ter·ri·bles [ahn-fahn te-ree-bluh] /ɑ̃ fɑ̃ tɛˈri blə/. French.

an incorrigible child, as one whose behavior is embarrassing.
an outrageously outspoken or bold person who says and does indiscreet or irresponsible things.
a person whose work, thought, or lifestyle is so unconventional or avant-garde as to appear revolutionary or shocking.

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British Dictionary definitions for enfant terrible

enfant terrible
/ French (ɑ̃fɑ̃ tɛriblə) /

noun plural enfants terribles (ɑ̃fɑ̃ tɛriblə)

a person given to unconventional conduct or indiscreet remarks

Word Origin for enfant terrible

C19: literally: terrible child

Cultural definitions for enfant terrible

enfant terrible
[ (ahn-fahn te-ree-bluh) ]

A person who stirs things up in an irresponsible or indiscreet way or has unconventional ideas: “Doctor Hill keeps writing articles that criticize his fellow physicians; he is becoming known as the enfant terrible of his profession.” From French, meaning “terrible child.”