Famous or well-known for something bad or negative. It suggests a strong, often widespread reputation.
From Latin “notorius,” meaning “well-known,” from “notus” (known). In English, the meaning shifted to focus mainly on bad or scandalous kinds of fame.
Originally, being “notorious” just meant being widely known, not necessarily bad. English twisted it so that now we need phrases like “famous” versus “infamous” to separate good fame from the kind that makes headlines for all the wrong reasons.
“Notorious” has often been applied differently by gender, with women labeled notorious for behavior (sexual autonomy, public speech, leadership) that would be framed as merely assertive or powerful in men. Media and legal discourse have historically sensationalized women’s “notoriety” in ways that reinforce gender norms.
Use “notorious” for clearly documented harmful or widely condemned actions, and be aware of double standards when describing women’s versus men’s behavior.
["widely known for","infamous for","has a record of"]
Many women activists, artists, and leaders were called “notorious” for challenging unjust systems; later scholarship has reframed them as pioneers rather than scandalous figures.
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