Characters remaining: 500/500
Translation

black swan

Academic
Friendly

The term "black swan" can refer to two different things in English. Let's break it down:

Basic Definition

  1. Literal Meaning: A "black swan" is a large bird that is native to Australia. It has black feathers and a red bill (the part of the bird's face that it uses to eat). It is known for its striking appearance.

Figurative Meaning

  1. Figurative Meaning: In a more abstract sense, a "black swan" is also used to describe an unexpected event that has a major impact. This idea was popularized by the author Nassim Nicholas Taleb in his book "The Black Swan." According to this meaning, a "black swan" is something rare and unpredictable that can change everything.

Usage Instructions
  • Literal Usage: You can use "black swan" when talking about the bird itself or in discussions about wildlife.
  • Figurative Usage: Use "black swan" when discussing events or situations that are surprising and have significant consequences, especially in fields like economics, finance, or risk management.
Advanced Usage

In professional contexts, talking about "black swan" events can involve analyzing their causes, impacts, and how to prepare for them in the future.

Word Variants
  • Black Swan Theory: Refers to the theory or concept that explains the occurrence of these unexpected events.
Different Meanings
  • In Literature and Arts: "Black swan" can also refer to themes of duality, mystery, or unexpected beauty, as seen in the film “Black Swan,” which explores the psychological struggles of a ballet dancer.
Synonyms
  • For the bird: Swan (general term for the species)
  • For the unexpected event: Outlier, Surprise event, Game-changer
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs
  • There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "black swan", but you might encounter phrases like "expect the unexpected" when discussing the concept.
Summary

In summary, "black swan" can refer to a unique bird with black feathers or a metaphor for unexpected events that have significant effects.

Noun
  1. large Australian swan having black plumage and a red bill

Synonyms

Comments and discussion on the word "black swan"