How Do You Spell TAR AND FEATHER?

Pronunciation: [tˈɑːɹ and fˈɛðə] (IPA)

The phrase "tar and feather" is a common idiom that describes a brutal form of punishment. The IPA phonetic transcription for this phrase is /tɑːr ənd ˈfɛðər/. The pronunciation of the word "tar" is quite simple, but the word "feather" has a silent "e", which affects the short "e" sound in the last syllable. It is important to maintain the correct spelling of this phrase to properly convey its meaning in written communication. The violence in the act of tarring and feathering makes it a critical reminder of the importance of justice reform.

TAR AND FEATHER Meaning and Definition

1. The phrase "tar and feather" refers to a punitive practice where an individual is coated in hot tar and then covered with feathers, typically as a form of public humiliation or punishment. This act was primarily employed during the colonial era as a means of expressing public outrage and shaming individuals who were perceived as engaging in immoral or treasonous activities, such as tax collectors or perceived sympathizers with the British authorities.

   To carry out this punishment, hot tar, a viscous black substance derived from coal or wood, was heated to a liquid state and then applied to the victim's body using brushes or ladles. The tar immediately adhered to the skin, causing intense pain and discomfort. Next, feathers were thrown or pressed onto the tarred surface, creating a grotesque appearance that was intended to publicly humiliate and ostracize the individual. The tar would cool and harden, making it challenging for the individual to remove the sticky substance and exacerbating their humiliation.

   The act of tar and feathering aimed to amplify the public's disapproval and create a lasting memory of shame for the target. It was a cruel and dehumanizing act that often led to physical injury and long-lasting psychological trauma. While the practice decreased over time and is generally considered a relic of a bygone era, the term "tar and feather" has become a metaphorical expression to describe public humiliation or the punishment of wrongdoers in a severe and humiliating manner.

Common Misspellings for TAR AND FEATHER

• tarandfeather

Idioms with the word TAR AND FEATHER

• tar and feather somebody The idiom "tar and feather somebody" refers to the act of punishing or humiliating someone by covering them in tar (a thick, sticky black substance) and then applying feathers to make them appear disgraceful or ridiculous.
• tar and feather someone The idiom "tar and feather someone" refers to a form of punishment or humiliation, often associated with vigilante justice, where an individual is covered in tar (a sticky, black substance) and then covered with feathers. This act, historically, was done to publicly shame and disgrace the person, making them a social outcast. In a metaphorical sense, the phrase can be used to describe publicly exposing someone's wrongdoing or disgraceful actions, in an attempt to undermine their reputation or position.
• tar and feather sb The idiom "tar and feather someone" means to publicly humiliate or punish an individual by covering them in tar (a black, sticky substance) and then applying feathers to make them stick. This idiom originated as a form of punishment in certain societies or historical contexts, where it was employed as a means of shaming or ostracizing the person being targeted. In modern usage, the phrase is often used metaphorically to imply a severe or deserved punishment, usually for perceived wrongdoing or misconduct.
• tar and feather sm The idiom "tar and feather someone" refers to an extreme form of public humiliation or punishment. It typically involves covering an individual with tar, a viscous black substance, and then applying feathers, which stick to the tar. The process aims to expose and shame someone for their alleged wrongdoing or controversial actions. This form of punishment has historically been associated with vigilante justice or mob mentality.
• tar and feather To cover someone in tar and then sprinkle feathers on them as a form of punishment or public humiliation. It can also be used figuratively to mean to publicly shame or humiliate someone.