TARRED FEATHERED Meaning and
Definition
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"Tarred and feathered" is a phrase that refers to a form of punishment or public humiliation methodically inflicted on an individual, typically as a means of ostracizing, shaming, or punishing them for an alleged wrongdoing. Historically, this practice gained popularity during the 18th and 19th centuries, predominantly in Western societies.
The term "tarred and feathered" denotes a process in which the subject is coated in hot tar, a black, sticky substance derived from the distillation of organic materials such as wood or coal. Consequently, feathers are then adhered to the tar, resulting in a grotesque appearance and significant discomfort for the person subjected to this treatment.
Tarred and feathered individuals often experienced severe pain due to the high temperature of the tar and the subsequent adherence of feathers to their skin. Moreover, the act itself had profound psychological effects, as it served as a public spectacle that aimed to humiliate, deter, or control individuals who were perceived as social outcasts or lawbreakers.
Although infrequently observed today, the concept of being "tarred and feathered" has become figurative, representing a form of public shaming or social punishment. It conveys the idea of a person being subjected to public ridicule, degradation, or humiliation for their actions or beliefs, regardless of whether the physical act is carried out.
Common Misspellings for TARRED FEATHERED
Etymology of TARRED FEATHERED
The term "tarred and feathered" originated in the 18th century and is believed to have come from the combination of two separate practices: tarring and feathering.
"Tarring" refers to the act of covering something with tar, a thick, sticky substance made from the distillation of wood or coal. In various contexts, tar was used for waterproofing, preserving wood, or protecting ships' hulls from rotting in naval contexts.
"Feathering" was a practice involved in punishing or humiliating individuals, primarily in Europe and North America. In this practice, feathers were applied to a person's body by adhesive or by attaching them with tar or pitch. This act aimed to publicly shame the person, marking them as an outcast or a target of ridicule.
Over time, the two practices became intertwined, and the combined phrase "tarred and feathered" emerged to describe a specific form of punishment or humiliation.
