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Is there a word for being excellent at something you hate doing?

English Language & Usage Asked by David M on April 10, 2021

I’m seeking a word or phrase which means being excellent at something you hate doing.

For example: I’m excellent at placing labor epidurals in pregnant women, it might even be my best skill. But, it is also one of my least favorite tasks to perform at work.

Example sentence:

Dave’s skill at placing epidurals is only exceeded by his hatred of placing them. It’s a great example of …………

While irony would fit here, I’m seeking a word or phrase that refers to this specific situation. Ideally, it would convey the whole concept of being good at it while hating it.

3 Answers

That's a great question and I can't think of one, but I can coin one: antagonist savant.

Antagonist defined as "A person who actively opposes or is hostile to someone or something" (https://www.lexico.com/definition/antagonist) plus the savant in idiot savant https://www.lexico.com/definition/idiot_savant

Answered by user3326047 on April 10, 2021

There's anti-hero:

A main character in a dramatic or narrative work who is characterized by a lack of traditional heroic qualities, such as idealism or courage.

I could easily see an anti-hero being excellent at fighting villains, saving the world, and so on, while at the same time hating it.

Some examples from popular culture:

  • Taylor Durden from “Fight Club”
  • Captain Jack Sparrow from “Pirates of the Caribbean”
  • Don Draper from “Mad Men”
  • Gregory House from “House”
  • Walter White from “Breaking Bad”

Answered by auspicious99 on April 10, 2021

"embittering expertise", is a phrase that conveys the concept of being excellent at something you hate. Here's your example completed with the phrase:

Dave's skill at placing epidurals is only exceeded by his hatred of placing them. It's a great example of embittering expertise.

"embitter" is defined by Lexico.com as

Make (someone) feel bitter or resentful.

The very thing Dave excels at (his expertise) is what embitters him, so it's fitting to describe his situation as one of embittering expertise.

Answered by Vorstellen on April 10, 2021

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