Misfit

Misfit is a term used to describe a person who does not fit in with a particular group or with prevailing social norms. It can refer to someone whose interests, behavior, or identity set them apart from peers. The term is informal and carries variable connotations, ranging from neutral description to mild pejorative.

Origin and usage: The word combines mis- (wrong, imperfect) with fit, originally referring to something that does not fit properly; later it was extended to people who do not conform to expected patterns of the group. In everyday speech, it often signals difference rather than deficiency.

Social and cultural aspects: Among adolescents, misfits may be labeled by peers; such labeling can influence self-concept through processes described by labeling theory. Some misfits experience marginalization, while others leverage their difference to connect with alternative communities or subcultures, including music, art, or niche interests.

In literature and media, misfits are common protagonists who navigate isolation or form new identities; the term is sometimes embraced as a badge of individuality or resilience.

Not a clinical term and not a diagnosis. Related terms include outsider, nonconformist, and oddball. See also concepts such as stigma, conformity, and identity as they relate to social labeling and group belonging.