The correct spelling for the term "poster child" is /ˈpoʊstər ˌtʃaɪld/. The word "poster" is spelled with the silent "t," pronounced as /poʊstər/. The word "child" is pronounced as /tʃaɪld/, with the "ch" sound representing the phoneme /tʃ/. This term is commonly used in a metaphorical sense, to refer to someone who epitomizes a particular issue or group, often used in a negative manner to highlight unfair portrayal or stereotyping.
A poster child refers to an individual who has become a representative or symbol of a specific cause, organization, or movement, due to their exemplary characteristics or personal experiences that align with the cause's objectives or values. The term originates from the practice of featuring a well-known or recognizable individual on a poster or promotional material to endorse a product, charity, or advocacy, with the aim of gaining attention or support from the public.
Typically, a poster child possesses attributes or embodies themes that epitomize the cause being represented. Their story or achievements often elicit strong emotional responses and serve as a powerful tool for raising awareness, generating empathy, and driving action. The poster child effectively humanizes complex subjects, making them relatable and understandable to a wider audience.
The term can be used in both positive and negative contexts. Positively, it emphasizes the impact of a person's success or triumphs in inspiring others to actively engage in a cause or to strive for similar achievements. Negatively, it can imply that the individual chosen is merely a figurehead or symbol, lacking depth or substance beyond their superficial association.
In popular culture, the term has expanded beyond its original usage and can refer to any person or entity that epitomizes a particular quality, characteristic, or issue, often with the presumption of being a flawless representation.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The term "poster child" originated in the early 20th century, combining two separate words.
The word "poster" refers to a large printed advertisement or notice intended to be posted or displayed in a public place. It comes from the Latin word "posterus", meaning "coming after" or "later". In the context of "poster child", it refers to a printed image or picture, often featuring a person.
The word "child" refers to a young human being, specifically someone who has not yet reached adulthood.
When combined, "poster child" refers to a prominent or representative person, typically a child, who is used as a symbol or figurehead to advertise or convey a particular cause, campaign, or idea.