Black Sheep may refer to many different things:

English language

Black sheep is a derogatory colloquial term in the English language meaning an outsider or one who is different in a way which others disapprove of. This can be someone who has been shunned by others, or one who has chosen to be an outsider, due to actions and aims that separate them from the rest of the people or "flock". A typical example might be a family member who has chosen to follow a religion other than that of the rest of his family.

The term originated from the fact that due to genetics, occasional black sheep will be born into a herd of white sheep.

The reason for the term black sheep is that, being black, their wool cannot be dyed. White is the preferred colour for wool as it is most easily dyed.

The phrase "Pink Sheep" has much the same meaning, specifying a homosexual, normally male, and is normally used by either himself or someone within his family; it is not considered as insulting a term as Black Sheep.

See also: Ugly duckling, Baa Baa Black Sheep

Music

• Black Sheep are a rap group associated with the Native Tongues Posse, most known for the hit "The Choice is Yours", and revered in the hip-hop community for their unique and intelligent rhythms and songs.

• Black Sheep (movie) was a 1970s rock music band notable as being the first band to include Lou Gramm as part of its ensemble. Gramm was performing as a drummer with the band, which had released the album Encouraging Words in 1975, when he was invited to join the band Foreigner.

Film

Black Sheep is a film comedy (1996) starring David Spade, Chris Farley, and Tim Matheson. The film, directed by Penelope Spheens, has been compared unfavorably to a previous film, Tommy Boy.

The film portrays a political contest in which the candidate deals with unwanted and incompetent help from his brother.

The fact that the name of the film is the same as that of a rap group confuses many fans of the comedy duo.

Military

The Black Sheep were a Marine Corps aviation unit, VMF-214, that served in the South Pacific during World War II. The squadron was commanded originally by Gregory "Pappy" Boyington.

Brewery/Beer

Black Sheep is the name of an ale made by the Black Sheep brewery.