raised by wolves

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "raised by wolves" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is a common idiom used to describe someone who has grown up in a wild or unconventional environment, often lacking proper social skills or manners. Example: "Despite being raised by wolves in the streets, Maria was determined to succeed in the business world." In this sentence, the phrase "raised by wolves" emphasizes the difficult and unconventional upbringing of the character, highlighting her determination and resilience.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Reference

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"They have not been raised by wolves...

The New Yorker

"Sometimes I swear Al must have been raised by wolves.

The New Yorker

His therapist says he thinks Downey was raised by wolves.

The New York Times - Magazine

The president survived a "raised by wolves" upbringing, as Michelle has called it.

The New York Times

She was raised by wolves but she did not live with their rules.

The Guardian

But at least they're not claiming they were raised by wolves.

The New York Times

Translation: "I want a sample, and I was raised by wolves".

The New Yorker

He asks about "my people" as though I'd been raised by wolves.

The New Yorker

Far from being raised by wolves, Grylls actually enjoyed a traditional education, attending famous private boys school Eton, near Windsor.

Independent

I loved the tale of Mowgli, the human who was raised by wolves, a bear, and a panther.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Inspiration: "Raised By Wolves" Photographer: Jim Goldberg Represented by: Magnum Photos Why did you choose this photo?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Reserve the literal use of the phrase for discussions of mythology (like Romulus and Remus) or fictional characters like Mowgli to avoid confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "raised by wolves" in serious sociological or psychological reports unless you are literally referring to feral children. In professional contexts, it is better to use precise terms like "socially isolated" or "lacking proper socialization" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "raised by wolves" typically functions as a past participle phrase used as an adjective to describe a person's upbringing or character. In the examples provided by Ludwig, it often appears following the verb "to be" in a passive sense or within a comparative clause (e.g., "as though I'd been "raised by wolves""). Ludwig AI confirms its status as a standard idiomatic expression in modern English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "raised by wolves" is a robust idiom that bridges the gap between ancient mythology and modern social commentary. As shown by the extensive examples in Ludwig, the phrase is equally at home describing the literal origins of Mowgli in The Jungle Book as it is critiquing the lack of manners in a contemporary setting. Ludwig AI emphasizes that while the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted, its meaning is heavily dependent on context—ranging from a literal description of feral life to a lighthearted metaphor for poor etiquette. Writers should use it to inject vivid imagery into their work but should remain mindful of its informal connotations when used figuratively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

born in a barn

Uses a different animal-related setting to describe someone lacking manners, specifically regarding leaving doors open.

ill-mannered

Reduces the phrase to a direct adjective describing the person's current behavior.

grown up wild

Shifts from a specific animal metaphor to a general descriptive state of being untamed.

brought up in the wild

Describes the location of the upbringing literally without specifying the animals involved.

living a feral life

Uses biological terminology to describe an existence outside of human society.

lacking in social graces

Replaces the vivid idiom with a formal description of social inadequacy.

socially uncouth

Uses more academic or elevated vocabulary to describe the resulting behavior.

unschooled in etiquette

Focuses specifically on the lack of education regarding social rules.

raised without discipline

Focuses on the lack of parental structure rather than the wild nature of the environment.

from a rough background

A more common euphemism used in sociological contexts to describe a difficult upbringing.

FAQs

How do I use "raised by wolves" in a sentence?

You can use it figuratively to describe someone rude, such as, "He has no manners; it's like he was "raised by wolves"."

What is the figurative meaning of "raised by wolves"?

Figuratively, it suggests that a person lacks basic social skills, manners, or civilization because they were not properly taught by parents or society.

Which is more common, "raised by wolves" or "born in a barn"?

Both are common, but "born in a barn" is more specific to someone who forgets to close doors, while "raised by wolves" covers a broader range of uncivilized behavior.

Is "raised by wolves" considered an insult?

It can be an insult if used to describe someone's actual behavior, but it is frequently used as a self-deprecating joke or a hyperbole for a difficult childhood. You might consider using "unrefined" if you want to be less aggressive.