What is a bête noir?

Bête noir is a French term that literally translates to "black beast." It is used to refer to a person, thing, or situation that is greatly disliked or feared. In literature and mythology, a bête noir can be a monstrous creature or other personification of evil. In everyday life, it is often used to describe something that causes frustration or difficulty. For example, someone might call public speaking their bête noir, meaning it is a source of great anxiety or fear for them.