scapegrace
Family's black sheep
A scapegrace is a habitually mischievous or wayward person—someone who seems to escape the grace of God through persistent bad behavior.
The word is old-fashioned and often affectionate, suggesting a rogue or rascal rather than a true villain: Every family has its scapegrace.
He was the scapegrace of the parish, always in some scrape or another.
Dishonest or uncontrolled agent
- ne'er-do-wellIrresponsible, idle person
- rapscallionMischievous person, usually endearing
- scalawagAffectionate term for rogue
- scampMischievous young person
wastrel · good-for-nothing · black sheep · profligate · reprobate · incorrigible · delinquent · troublemaker
Someone who plays tricks
- impMinor mischief-making devil
- tricksterCunning deceiver in myth
- rascalLovable troublemaker
- roguishMischievously charming
impish · waggish · puckish · cheeky · devilish · antics · gamin · urchin
Loss of honor
- shamePainful awareness of failure
- reproachExpression of disappointment
- scandalDisgraceful public affair
- discreditHarm another's reputation
embarrassment · dishonor · disrepute · ignominy · disappointment · disfavor · censure · opprobrium
rogue
Dishonest or uncontrolled agent
- ne'er-do-wellIrresponsible, idle person
- rapscallionMischievous person, usually endearing
- scalawagAffectionate term for rogue
scamp · wastrel · good-for-nothing · black sheep · profligate · reprobate · incorrigible · delinquent · troublemaker · hellion
prankster
Someone who plays tricks
roguish · impish · waggish · puckish · cheeky · devilish · antics · gamin · urchin · misbehaving
disgrace
Loss of honor
- shamePainful awareness of failure
- reproachExpression of disappointment
- scandalDisgraceful public affair
discredit · embarrassment · dishonor · disrepute · ignominy · disappointment · disfavor · censure · opprobrium · blot
scapegracesaint
Canonized holy person
angel · paragon · innocent · goody-goody · straight arrow
scapegracepillar of the community
Respected local leader
hero · gentleman · lady · role model · exemplar