ARE WHIPPING BOY Meaning and
Definition
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A "whipping boy" is commonly defined as a person who is blamed or punished for the mistakes or faults of others, serving as a convenient scapegoat or target of criticism. This term originated during the 16th and 17th centuries when young boys from noble families were appointed as companions to princes or young royals. The primary function of a whipping boy was to receive physical punishment, usually in the form of whipping or beating, whenever the prince misbehaved or made errors.
The concept behind this practice was based on the belief that physical punishment alone was insufficient to discipline a prince, as it could potentially harm his royal status. Instead, the whipping boy was subjected to the physical penalties on behalf of the prince, symbolically absorbing his faults and serving as a proxy for his misdeeds. This practice allowed the prince to observe the consequences of his actions without personally enduring the physical pain.
Over time, the term "whipping boy" transcended its historical context and evolved into a metaphorical expression. Nowadays, it refers to anyone who is unfairly and frequently blamed or punished for mistakes that are not their own, often due to their perceived vulnerability or lack of power. This individual becomes a target for others to vent their frustrations and criticisms, even when they are not responsible for the actions or decisions that elicited such reactions.
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