bête noire
Say it: bet NWAH /ˌbɛt ˈnwɑː/ · noun phrase
What “bête noire” means
Someone or something you especially dislike or dread.
More precisely: A person or thing that someone particularly dislikes or dreads.
Example: “Spreadsheets with merged cells are my bête noire.”
When to use it
For your particular pet hate or dreaded obstacle, often humorously, with a slightly literary or emphatic tone.
Memory trick
French for black beast: picture your pet hate as a troublesome imaginary creature.
Similar words
pet hate, nemesis, bugbear
Where it comes from
French, 'black beast'.
Quick check
You handle most chores happily, but ironing fills you with dread every time. Ironing is your…
guilty pleasure or bête noire?
Show the answer
bête noire
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