CultureJuly 17, 2026
malcontent
/ˈmælkənˌtɛnt/
Definition
A person who is chronically dissatisfied and rebellious against the established order or authority.
Etymology
Derived from the French 'malcontent', meaning 'dissatisfied', which combines the Latin 'mal-' (bad) and 'content' (satisfied). It entered English in the late 16th century to describe individuals who are unhappy with their social position or political circumstances.
In the news
In 'The Breakfast Club', the term refers to the high school students who are viewed as troublemakers or misfits by the school administration, justifying their shared detention. It highlights their status as disillusioned individuals struggling against teenage angst.
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Read the full article ↗The Week