Curiosity about a saying related to ginger's?

[jwright82]

If you can't tell from my avatar picture, I'm a ginger and proud. But I've heard this my whole life (42 years old) the saying "beat you like a redheaded stepchild". I've never known where that came from. My parents never said it to me but like adult friends of the family did from time to time, only when I got on their nerves. It's not that I hate it, I just think it's funny but weird.
But does anybody know where it came from? I mean it's gotta be a colloquial saying, but I don't know. It's not offensive to me but I'm just curious.

Also I in no way endorse child abuse of any kind. Or assault in general. Just so you know where I stand.

 

[Edward]

I always preferred the phrase 'beaten like a rented mule'

 

[pgwolv]

The site has a paywall, but one can read enough to get the idea. https://medium.com/my-unpopular-opinion/beaten-like-a-red-headed-stepchild-9e6284fa5625

 

[jwright82]

The site has a paywall, but one can read enough to get the idea. https://medium.com/my-unpopular-opinion/beaten-like-a-red-headed-stepchild-9e6284fa5625

Wow! Interesting. Thanks.

I always preferred the phrase 'beaten like a rented mule'

I wonder if the two are connected at all. I annoyed my boss making jokes about the saying tonight. I just find it such a weird phrase to become a colloquial saying. Like a meme.

 

[Sovereign Grace]

I always preferred the phrase 'beaten like a rented mule'

Well, my mom was a ginger...more like auburn, but red nonetheless, and she beat me like a borrowed (the term used around here) mule, and I deserved every one of them, but one. True story for a later time.

 

[jwright82]

Well, my mom was a ginger...more like auburn, but red nonetheless, and she beat me like a borrowed (the term used around here) mule, and I deserved every one of them, but one. True story for a later time.

You and me both man. I'm still afraid of her and she's the sweetest lady I ever met.

 

[Ploutos]

You and me both man. I'm still afraid of her and she's the sweetest lady I ever met.

You're afraid of Willis's mom too? Wow, she must have been a force to be reckoned with!

 

[Sovereign Grace]

You're afraid of Willis's mom too? Wow, she must have been a forced to be reckoned with!

She was. I truly miss her!!