badge of shame
Symbol of dishonor
A badge of shame is a mark or symbol that publicly identifies someone as disgraced or morally tainted.
Historically, authorities forced certain groups to wear literal badges—the yellow star imposed on Jews in Nazi Europe being the most notorious example.
Now usually figurative: a visible sign of failure or disgrace that follows someone.
His bankruptcy became a badge of shame he couldn't escape.
Compare badge of honor, which works in the opposite direction.
- stigmaMark of dishonor
- social stigmaSociety's shaming of outsiders
- scarlet letterMark of public shame
- disgraceLoss of honor
- humiliationLoss of dignity
public humiliation · mark · mark of Cain · brand · dishonor · stain · taint · shunning · outcast · pariah · leper colony · fallen woman · infamy · ostracism · punishment · branding · tar and feather · exile
- shame symbolsscarlet letter, dunce cap, pillory, stockade, yellow star
- British JewryChief Rabbi, Whitechapel, readmission, resettlement, Oliver Cromwell
badge of shamebadge of honor
Source of earned pride
seal of approval · honor · badge of merit · crown of glory · commendation
badge of shamepoint of pride
Cherished personal accomplishment
crowning achievement · feather in one's cap · claim to fame · glory · triumph
badge of shamestamp of approval
Official authorization signal
blue ribbon · knighthood · Purple Heart · Victoria Cross · Nobel Prize
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