WHIPPING BOY Meaning and
Definition
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A whipping boy is defined as a person, typically a child, who bears the blame or punishment for someone else's actions, mistakes, or shortcomings. The term originates from a historical practice in which a young boy of noble birth, often from a royal or affluent family, was chosen to receive physical punishment on behalf of a prince or a young heir. The whipping boy would be ceremoniously flogged or whipped as a form of punishment for the real individual who was considered too important or untouchable to be physically disciplined. This practice was primarily seen and documented in European royal courts during the 16th to 18th centuries.
Metaphorically, the term "whipping boy" has gained broader usage in general language and literature to describe someone who is unfairly punished or scapegoated for the deeds or faults of others. In this sense, a whipping boy is a person who is made to suffer the consequences, whether emotionally, socially, or professionally, for actions they did not commit. The term embodies the concept of bearing the brunt of punishment for someone else's wrongdoing, as though being whipped metaphorically to atone for another's faults. It remains a vivid metaphorical expression that symbolizes the unfairness and injustice associated with taking the blame or receiving retribution for someone else's actions.
Common Misspellings for WHIPPING BOY
- qhipping boy
- ahipping boy
- shipping boy
- ehipping boy
- 3hipping boy
- 2hipping boy
- wgipping boy
- wbipping boy
- wnipping boy
- wjipping boy
- wuipping boy
- wyipping boy
- whupping boy
- whjpping boy
- whkpping boy
- whopping boy
- wh9pping boy
- wh8pping boy
- whioping boy
Etymology of WHIPPING BOY
The term "whipping boy" originated in 17th-century Britain. The word "whipping" refers to the act of physically punishing a child by repeatedly striking them, usually with a whip or cane, as a form of discipline or correction. The term "boy" refers to a young male child.
The specific concept of a "whipping boy" emerged as a practice in royal or noble households. In these settings, the prince or another high-ranking child would often be exempt from physical punishment due to their privileged position. As a result, a whipping boy was appointed – typically a lower-class or orphaned child – who would be punished in their place. The idea was that witnessing the whipping boy's suffering would instill a sense of empathy and responsibility in the privileged child, deterring them from further misbehavior.
Idioms with the word WHIPPING BOY
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a whipping boy
The idiom "a whipping boy" refers to a person who regularly takes the blame or punishment for the mistakes, faults, or misdeeds of others, usually someone of higher status or authority. This term originates from the practice in the past where a young boy was subjected to corporal punishment in place of a prince or nobleman, who was believed to be too important to be physically disciplined. The whipping boy was essentially a scapegoat for the shortcomings or transgressions of the higher-ranking individual.
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whipping boy
A person who is blamed or punished for the wrongdoings of others, often as a convenient scapegoat.
Similar spelling words for WHIPPING BOY
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