The term "red diaper baby" refers to a person who was raised by politically radical parents. It is spelled /rɛd ˈdaɪpər ˈbeɪbi/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The "red" is pronounced with the traditional English "e" sound, while "diaper" is pronounced with a long "i" sound. The stress is on the first syllable of both "red" and "diaper," and on the second syllable of "baby." The spelling of this term accurately reflects its pronunciation and meaning.
Red diaper baby is a colloquial term used to refer to an individual, often in the context of politics, who was raised by parents or caregivers with strong left-wing or communist beliefs. The term originates from the metaphor of a red diaper, symbolizing the red color associated with communism, that allegedly swaddled an infant whose parents were politically active or involved in leftist movements.
This term typically implies that the person was brought up in an environment where left-wing values, socialist principles, or communist ideologies were prevalent. It implies that the individual would have been exposed to a range of progressive ideas and doctrines from an early age, as a result of their upbringing.
Red diaper babies are often thought to have a deep-rooted understanding of leftist politics, social justice causes, and a commitment to challenging social inequalities. They may have grown up in households where discussions revolved around topics such as class struggle, labor rights, anti-imperialism, and opposition to capitalism.
The term is not typically used in a neutral or objective sense but instead carries connotations of both pride and criticism. Those who identify as red diaper babies may view their background as an invaluable education in social activism and political consciousness, while critics may perceive them as politically biased or ideologically rigid due to their upbringing.
Overall, red diaper baby refers to an individual who was raised by politically active left-wing parents or caregivers, and is associated with an exposure to communist or socialist ideologies from a young age.