In this case the casual reference to child abuse is the likely culprit.
And, folks have less reference to the sort of prideful arrogance that would lead someone to beat a redheaded stepchild.
''We don't just borrow words; on occasion, English has pursued other languages down alleyways to beat
them unconscious and rifle their pockets for new vocabulary.''
-- James Nicoll
And, folks have less reference to the sort of prideful arrogance that would lead someone to beat a redheaded stepchild.
''We don't just borrow words; on occasion, English has pursued other languages down alleyways to beat
them unconscious and rifle their pockets for new vocabulary.''
-- James Nicoll