le bouc

The French word "bouc" primarily means "billy goat" or "male goat." It refers specifically to an adult male goat, distinguished from a "chèvre," which is a female goat or goat in general.

Additional meanings and uses:

1. Figurative/Idiomatic: "Bouc émissaire" (scapegoat) is a common phrase where "bouc" is used symbolically to designate someone who takes the blame for others.

2. Physical resemblance: Sometimes it can refer to a goatee beard, as "un bouc" in style refers to a small chin beard, named after the pointed beard typical of a billy goat.

Synonyms and differences:

• chèvre: Usually refers to a female goat but can mean goat in general. Neutral term.
• bouc: Specifically male adult goat.
• bouc (beard): Refers specifically to a small beard grown on the chin, different from a full beard ("barbe").

So "bouc" is both an animal term and a term describing a beard style derived from the animal's characteristic look.