What is a wipping boy?

A whipping boy was historically a young boy who was educated alongside a prince or noble child. When the prince misbehaved or failed to meet academic standards, the whipping boy would be punished instead, as it was considered inappropriate to physically discipline royalty. This arrangement highlighted the differences in social status and served as a means to instill discipline in the young prince without directly punishing him. The concept has since evolved into a metaphor for someone who takes the blame for others' mistakes.