red-headed stepchildren
Family's favorite targets
Red-headed stepchildren are people or things treated as unwanted or inferior—neglected in favor of others considered more legitimate or deserving.
The phrase draws on old stereotypes about both stepchildren and redheads as outsiders: The arts program was treated like a red-headed stepchild in the budget.
Usually plural, often preceded by "like" or "treated like."
Disreputable family member
- misfitOne who doesn't fit in
- pariahRejected, shunned person
- scapegoatUnfairly blamed person
- underdogPresumed loser beforehand
outsider · odd one out · fifth wheel · third wheel · wallflower · square peg · ugly duckling · persona non grata
Not given preference
- second fiddleSubordinate position or role
- second classLower rank or quality
- lesserLower in degree
- unequalNot the same
disparate · discriminated · prejudiced · short end · raw deal
Not noticed or considered
- undervaluedRated below true worth
- forgottenNo longer recalled
- ignoredPurposely not noticed
- sidelinedRemoved from participation
disregarded · unappreciated · unloved · unwanted · rejected · abandoned · discarded · castoff
Persistently avoided socially
- ostracizedExcluded from a group
- blackballedRejected by anonymous vote
- shut outPrevent all scoring
- left outNot made part of
passed over · snubbed · frozen out · iced out · unwelcome · uninvited · blacklisted · marginalized
black sheep
Disreputable family member
underdog · outsider · odd one out · fifth wheel · third wheel · wallflower · square peg · ugly duckling · persona non grata
unfavored
Not given preference
- second fiddleSubordinate position or role
- second classLower rank or quality
- lesserLower in degree
unequal · disparate · discriminated · prejudiced · short end · raw deal
overlooked
Not noticed or considered
- undervaluedRated below true worth
- forgottenNo longer recalled
- ignoredPurposely not noticed
sidelined · disregarded · unappreciated · unloved · unwanted · rejected · abandoned · discarded · castoff · afterthought
shunned
Persistently avoided socially
- ostracizedExcluded from a group
- blackballedRejected by anonymous vote
- shut outPrevent all scoring
left out · passed over · snubbed · frozen out · iced out · unwelcome · uninvited · blacklisted · marginalized · alienated
red-headed stepchildrenfavorites
Most preferred choices
teacher's pets · darlings · blue-eyed boys · apple of one's eye · pride and joy
red-headed stepchildrencrown jewels
Sovereign's ceremonial treasures
top priorities · pride and joy · first-class citizens · cash cows · pet projects
headed, stepchildren, stepchild, children, red-headed, redness, redden, redder, reddest