A "Black Swan event" is an unpredictable occurrence that has significant consequences. These events are rare and often come as a surprise, making them difficult to foresee. The term was popularized by Nassim Nicholas Taleb, who used it to describe events that are beyond the realm of normal expectations.
Black Swan events can have both positive and negative impacts. Examples include the 2008 financial crisis and the emergence of the internet. Because they are unexpected, they challenge our understanding of risk and can lead to major changes in various fields, including economics, science, and technology.