social outcast

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "social outcast" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to someone who is excluded from conventional society and who is not accepted by other people. For example: As a child, Jack was constantly bullied and felt like a social outcast.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

He is also a social outcast.

The New Yorker

Cassie is your resident social outcast.

The Guardian

"I fear becoming a social outcast," he explained.

The New York Times

Alice is no frail social outcast battling against Pakistan's misogynistic patriarchy and religious majority.

Independent

He sang a song in which he lamented being a social outcast.

The New Yorker

Melinda becomes a social outcast at high school after calling the police at a party.

The Guardian

Being Jewish, their daughter found herself something of a social outcast at school.

The New York Times

But we write about being a social outcast as well as girls and stuff.

The Guardian - Music

Prejudice, because she was a social outcast, enabled people to trash her reputation.

The Guardian - Opinion

The best team might be the social outcast from Memphis, talented but unloved.

The New York Times - Sports

The John B. Campbell Memorial Handicap at Bowie last week-end, was won by Social Outcast.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use “social outcast” judiciously, especially when the individual's situation is more nuanced. Consider whether terms like “misfit” or “nonconformist” might be more appropriate to avoid negative connotations.

Common error

Don't assume a “social outcast's” character is inherently negative or that their isolation is solely their fault. Address societal factors or specific instances of exclusion to provide a balanced perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase “social outcast” functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject or object within a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use across diverse texts. For example, in the sentence "He is also a social outcast," it functions as a predicate nominative.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Wiki

15%

Science

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, “social outcast” is a commonly used noun phrase that describes an individual excluded from society. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically sound. Its primary function is to label and categorize someone's position, with a register that leans toward neutral. While frequently found in news and media, its usage extends to academic and general contexts. To use this phrase effectively, provide relevant context and be mindful of potential stereotypes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pariah

Indicates someone who is despised and avoided by others, often due to social or moral reasons.

excluded individual

Highlights the act of being deliberately kept out of a group or society.

misfit

Suggests someone who doesn't fit in with conventional society or its norms.

isolated person

Focuses on the state of being separated from others, either by choice or circumstance.

rejected individual

This phrase focuses on the act of being rejected or ostracized by others.

black sheep

Refers to someone who is considered an embarrassment or disgrace to their family or social group.

persona non grata

This phrase implies someone who is unwelcome or unacceptable in a particular social circle or environment.

nonconformist

Someone who doesn't adhere to the standards and patterns of society

loner

Implies someone who prefers to be alone, not necessarily excluded but rather choosing solitude.

outlaw

Suggests someone who operates outside the bounds of established rules or norms.

FAQs

How to use "social outcast" in a sentence?

You can use "social outcast" to describe someone who is excluded from society or a particular group. For example: "As a child, he was a "social outcast" because of his unusual interests."

What are some synonyms for "social outcast"?

Alternatives include "pariah", "misfit", or "loner", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use the term "social outcast" in formal writing?

Yes, "social outcast" is generally acceptable in formal writing, especially when discussing sociological or psychological themes. However, consider the connotations and ensure it aligns with the tone of your piece.

What's the difference between a "social outcast" and a "nonconformist"?

A "social outcast" is typically excluded or rejected by society, while a "nonconformist" actively chooses to deviate from societal norms, not necessarily resulting in exclusion.