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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The term enfant terrible is an example of how words can change in meaning when moving from one language to another.
Words nearby enfant terrible
enesco,
enewetak,
enface,
enfant perdu,
enfant sauvage,
enfant terrible,
enfeeble,
enfeoff,
enfetter,
enfever,
enfield
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.”