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The word “gadfly” is used to describe someone who persistently challenges authority, often by repeatedly asking potentially uncomfortable or pointed questions.
Yes, that comes from Socrates.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gadfly_(philosophy_and_social_science)
I’m sure there is another word, possibly also in the form of a “[something]fly”, often used to describe a dilettante or someone who flits incessantly from topic to topic… but I can’t think of it. Can anyone help me remember what it is?
I think there is an expression, although I can't think of it now, either. I'm not sure it's a fly, but I think 'butterfly' is sometimes used in that sense. It's not what I would call a classic expression, though.
Mayfly?
Not sure, that's generally used for something ephemeral rather than as ewanmac describes.
Oliver Schick-
I think 'butterfly' is sometimes used in that sense.
PG Wodehouse used "butterfly" in that sense (through the voice of his characters) to describe someone who "flits from flower to flower" (IIRC) i.e., someone who is unfaithful or moves through partners rapidly. So it's an expression with pedigree @ewanmac, if not exactly current.
ffm
The word “gadfly” is used to describe someone who persistently challenges authority, often by repeatedly asking potentially uncomfortable or pointed questions.
I’m sure there is another word, possibly also in the form of a “[something]fly”, often used to describe a dilettante or someone who flits incessantly from topic to topic… but I can’t think of it. Can anyone help me remember what it is?
Maybe @Oliver Schick?