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Fame and infamy are often confused, but they have different meanings. Fame is positive and refers to public prominence due to achievements, while infamy is negative and achieved through terrible acts. Celebrity originally meant fame, but now also includes infamous people. It is rude to suggest someone or something has disgrace.
The terms “fame” and “infamy” are sometimes used interchangeably by people who do not fully understand them. Indeed, while both suggest widespread knowledge of a person or an act, one has a negative connotation, while the other has a positive one. Learning to use them correctly will help people avoid embarrassment and will also help people follow conversations about famous or infamous people. In a society where terrible deeds are often rewarded with abundant public attention, discerning between fame and infamy will also help people keep perspective.
Fame refers to fame and reputation, or a position of public prominence. Someone may be famous for making a scientific discovery, being highly skilled at a sport, or producing extraordinary art. All associations with fame are generally positive, implying that the person is respected and honored as well as being famous. To say that someone has fame or is famous is a great compliment. Many people aspire to fame, and they should, because it suggests remarkable facts.
On the other hand, infamy is a dubious social distinction achieved by committing a terrible act. Hitler is infamous, while Churchill is famous. The associations with infamy are negative, suggesting that while someone and their actions are well known, many people wish they weren’t. Well-known criminals can be said to have infamy, because although they are famous in the sense of being well-known, they have committed acts of questionable morals to become famous.
A related concept is the idea of celebrity. Originally, celebrity was used in the same way that “fame” was, and it would have been as incorrect to call someone a celebrity as it would have been to call someone a fame. However, the meaning of the word changed and it began to be used to describe people who lived in infamy and famous people. Both criminals and movie stars can fight for celebrity status.
The terms can also be used to describe things other than people. A particularly volatile food, for example, could be considered infamous if its intestinal impact is well known. As a general rule, suggesting that someone or something has a disgrace is considered rude, as you’re indicating a negative association. Calling someone “famous” for committing a terrible act like mass murder is also inappropriate, because the person has the infamy, not the fame. Fame implies that someone has become famous for doing good deeds.
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