What’s the origin of the phrase beaten/slapped/whatever like a red-headed stepchild?
I always thought it was a ref to Danny Bonaduce (Partridge Family)
But I’m most likely wrong
BTW, I love your username! However mine is much more inventive due to the use of caps.
Thinking of a new user name…
Hmmm “red headed stepchild”
All I can add is, I never get to check out any Blue Light Specials, cause I desire to avoid any K-“marthags.”
I always thought it had to do with red heads being considered evil. There red hair was too showy and some thought it was a sign from the devil. They were punished more often due to this. Thus the phrase.
The saying is based on several different myths/stereotypes.
There is a perception that stepchildren are loved less than biological children and are therefore treated poorly. Think Cinderella or any of the “evil stepmother” tales.
Redheads are relatively rare in our culture. A person with red hair tends to stand out in a crowd - very conspicuous. Redheads were also sometimes associated with evil.
Put it all together and you have an evil misfit who is treated as a second class family member - a redheaded shetchild.
I’d say those describe me!
Oh, and I’m left handed too!