"Whipping boy" is an idiomatic expression referring to a person who undeservedly bears the blame, criticism, or punishment for someone else's mistakes, shortcomings, or faults. This term originates from historical practices where a young boy would be assigned to serve as a literal whipping boy for a prince or other high-ranking individual. In the past, it was believed that a noble child could not be physically disciplined, so a whipping boy would be chastised in their place.
In its modern usage, "whipping boy" is not limited to physical punishment but also encompasses emotional, social, or professional scapegoating. It denotes an individual who is made to shoulder the consequences or face the censure for someone else's actions or errors, despite having no direct responsibility or involvement.
The metaphorical concept of being an "am whipping boy" suggests that the individual is unfairly subjected to criticism, blame, or negative repercussions as a result of others wanting to avoid accountability or consequences. This can occur in various contexts, including workplace dynamics, personal relationships, or even within public discourse, where certain individuals may become targets to deflect criticism and avoid addressing the underlying issues or problems.
In summary, the term "am whipping boy" describes a person who finds themselves wrongly blamed or punished for the misdeeds or failings of another individual, often due to a lack of willingness to accept responsibility.
