Pronunciation: [biː ɐ wˈɪpɪŋ bˈɔ͡ɪ] (IPA) 
The phrase "be a whipping boy" means to take the blame or punishment for someone else's mistakes or misbehavior. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word "whipping" is pronounced /wɪpɪŋ/ and "boy" is pronounced /bɔɪ/. The spelling is straightforward, with "wh" representing the sound /w/ and "i" representing the short vowel sound /ɪ/. Overall, the phrase is a common idiom in English that dates back to the 17th century.
To "be a whipping boy" is an idiomatic expression that originated from historical practices in education, particularly during the 16th and 17th centuries. A whipping boy refers to a designated child who, due to his low social status or lack of power, is chosen to endure corporal punishment intended for another child. This punitive method aimed to instill discipline and deterrence by punishing a more privileged or important child indirectly, by proxy through the whipping boy.
In contemporary usage, "be a whipping boy" metaphorically describes an individual who becomes the target of blame, criticism, or punishment for the actions or failures of others. In this sense, the person being "whipped" symbolizes bearing the consequences of someone else's wrongdoing or serving as a scapegoat. This expression implies unjust treatment or the unfair allocation of blame onto an innocent party. The whipping boy is often someone considered more vulnerable or less powerful, making them an easy target for others to deflect responsibility.
The phrase is commonly used when discussing situations where a person repeatedly faces blame or criticism for the mistakes or misdeeds of others, despite their innocence or lack of involvement. It highlights an unfair dynamic where responsibility is misplaced or conveniently transferred to a more convenient or expendable person. Furthermore, it portrays a sense of powerlessness or helplessness experienced by the whipping boy, emphasizing the imbalance of power and lack of agency in the situation.
