fair-haired boy
fair-haired boy - The current favorite, the individual singled out for special treatment. This male counterpart of “gentlemen prefer blondes” comes from the late nineteenth century. “The old crowd of Fair-haired Correspondent Boys who hung to the ear of President Roosevelt” appeared in the Saturday Evening Post in 1909.
Related and Similar Terms
- Teacher’s pet: The student who is liked best by the teacher.
- Golden child: Someone who is highly favored or has a lot of talent.
- Blue-eyed boy: Another term for a favorite, particularly someone who can do no wrong.
- Apple of someone’s eye: The person who is the most cherished.
Proverbs and Common Phrases
- Every rose has its thorn: Even someone favored or seen as perfect has flaws.
- Don’t judge a book by its cover: Someone favored (the fair-haired boy) might not be as perfect as they seem.
- The grass is always greener on the other side: Others may envy the position of the favorite, but it isn’t necessarily always advantageous.
Humor-Filled Quotes
- “Just remember, even the setting sun casts long shadows, fair-haired boy!” – Anonymous
- “They’re called fair-haired boys because their charm covers a multitude of sins.” – Whimsey Wordsworth
Suggested Literature, Books, Songs, Poetry, and Movies
- “Good Will Hunting” (Movie): A story of a favored genius grappling with his true identity.
- “Matilda” by Roald Dahl (Book): The tale of a lovable underdog who rises above an over-favored sibling.
- “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger (Book): Holden Caulfield feels like anything but the fair-haired boy, but his perspective is nonetheless enlightening.
- “You’re My Favorite” by John Legend (Song): A serenade to someone who holds a special place in one’s heart.
- “Paddington Bear” by Michael Bond (Series of Books and Movies): Paddington, the underestimated and lovable bear, reminiscent of the fair-haired boy whenever shown favoritism.
### Which of the following is an idiom that means “the favored one?”
- [x] Fair-haired boy
- [ ] Blue-green tulip
- [ ] Grumpy goldfish
- [ ] Talking tomato
> **Explanation:** "Fair-haired boy" is a well-known idiom meaning the current favorite or someone who is singled out for special treatment.
### Choose the term closest in meaning to 'fair-haired boy':
- [ ] Yellow-socked duck
- [x] Golden child
- [ ] Sour apple
- [ ] Sleeping giant
> **Explanation:** Though whimsical, terms like "Yellow-socked duck" do not convey favoritism. "Golden child" is the term most similar to 'fair-haired boy' as it signifies a highly favored individual.
### True or False: 'Blue-eyed boy' is a synonym for 'fair-haired boy'
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** 'Blue-eyed boy' is indeed another expression used to describe a current favorite, similar to 'fair-haired boy'.
### Which of these idioms implies special treatment?
- [x] Teacher's pet
- [ ] Barking up the wrong carpet
- [ ] Kicking the moon
- [ ] Fishing for socks
> **Explanation:** "Teacher's pet" refers to a student favored by their teacher, much like 'fair-haired boy.' The other options are nonsensical.
And remember, even if you’re not the fair-haired boy today, you still hold the power in your hands to light up the world with your unique glow! 🌟 Keep shining, because everyone gets their turn in the sun.
- Ferrell Favorite
