What does the phrase 'redheaded stephchild' mean?

[LolaCola]

Yeah, you would think so.

After all, no red hair no Rick Astley

Did you just Rick Roll this thread? Excellent!

Actually, considering the phrase started as "beat you like a red headed stepchild" can be easily changed into " beat you like a rented mule"...there's little doubt that this phrase was originally meant to degrade someone, as well as imply a terrible beating. It may have changed over time into something else, having less to do with hair coloring than someone made to feel an outsiders, but that doesn't change it's roots.

http://http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Where_did_the_phrase_'beat_you_like_a_red-headed_stepchild'_come_from_and_what_does_it_mean

http://wordoriginsorg.*********/forum/viewtopic/id/6652

 

[NJMomma]

oh no I have red hair AND green eyes. Now I am really in trouble.

I join you in this trouble

I've heard the phrase and don't really like it. I don't take as a knock against my irish background, but I still don't like it.