The French term 'brebis galeuse', meaning 'scabby ewe', is used to describe an individual that causes harm to a larger group, akin to 'a bad apple' in English. While it refers to a sick sheep, its usage extends into political discussions, particularly regarding institutional failures like police violence. The idea is that one problematic individual can spoil the entire organization, a sentiment echoed in an old proverb. This phrase illustrates how language shapes perceptions of accountability and corruption in society.
It only takes one mangy ewe to infect the whole herd, reflecting the idea that one bad individual can corrupt an entire group.
The phrase brebis galeuse transcends veterinary use, often entering political discourse to discuss individuals damaging an institution.
In colloquial speech, brebis galeuse signifies one bad person or thing causing damage to the rest of the group, akin to 'a bad apple'.
Discussions in the French press often leverage brebis galeuse to analyze police violence, debating if issues stem from systemic problems or just bad apples.
Collection
[
|
...
]