scapegoat

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Scapegoat (metaphor)
/ˈskeɪpˌɡoʊt/

Meaning

• A person unfairly blamed for mistakes or problems caused by others.
• Someone made to take the blame for a group’s failures or wrongdoings.
• An individual punished to shield others from responsibility.
• A target used to satisfy blame or criticism, often unjustly.

Example Sentences

1. After the project failed, the manager made Tom the scapegoat to save his own reputation.
2. Politicians often use immigrants as a scapegoat for economic problems.
3. She became the office scapegoat when the client complained, even though it wasn’t her fault.
4. The coach blamed the goalie as a scapegoat for the team’s poor performance.
5. In times of crisis, leaders sometimes create a scapegoat to distract the public.

Origin and History

The term “scapegoat” originates from the ancient Hebrew ritual described in the Book of Leviticus (16:8–10) in the Hebrew Bible. During Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, two goats were selected: one was sacrificed to God, and the other, symbolically laden with the sins of the people, was sent into the wilderness for Azazel, carrying away the community’s transgressions. This practice aimed to purify the Israelites by transferring their sins to the goat, which was then banished.

Etymology and Translation

The English term “scapegoat” was first introduced in 1530 by William Tyndale in his English translation of the Bible. Tyndale rendered the Hebrew word “Azazel” as “escape goat,” interpreting it as “the goat that departs.” Over time, this term evolved into “scapegoat.” However, some scholars argue that “Azazel” refers to a demon or specific location, suggesting that Tyndale’s translation may have been a misinterpretation.

Alternative Interpretations

There are varying interpretations of the term “Azazel.” Some Jewish sources consider it the name of a demon or angelic force, while others view it as a rugged mountain or wilderness area where the goat was sent. These differing perspectives highlight the complexity and ambiguity surrounding the original Hebrew term.

Earliest Printed Record

The earliest printed record of the term “scapegoat” appears in William Tyndale’s 1530 translation of the Bible. In Leviticus 16, Tyndale describes the ritual of the Day of Atonement, stating:

“And Aaron cast lottes ouer the gootes: one lotte for the Lorde, and another for a scapegoote.”

This translation introduced the term into the English language, where it has since become widely used.

Evolution into Modern Usage

By the 19th century, “scapegoat” had transcended its original religious context to denote an individual or group unfairly blamed for the problems or faults of others. This broader application reflects the human tendency to project blame onto others to deflect responsibility or simplify complex issues. ​

Psychological and Sociological Perspectives

The concept of scapegoating has been explored in various disciplines. French philosopher René Girard’s mimetic theory posits that human desires are imitative, leading to rivalry and conflict. To resolve such tensions, societies may designate a scapegoat to bear collective blame, thereby restoring harmony. Similarly, in sociology, scapegoat theory explains how marginalized groups are unjustly blamed for societal problems, often during times of economic hardship or social change.

Cultural Variations

The practice of designating a scapegoat is not unique to ancient Israel. In ancient Greece, during the festival of Thargelia, human scapegoats, known as pharmakoi, were used to mitigate plagues or calamities. This ritual involved expelling an individual to purify the community, illustrating a parallel to the scapegoat tradition in Leviticus.

Synonyms

1. fall guy
2. whipping boy
3. sacrificial lamb

Variants

• make someone a scapegoat
• play the scapegoat
• be used as a scapegoat
• be made the scapegoat
• use someone as a scapegoat

About the Author

Elena Jones holds a PhD in Education from Harvard University. She has extensive experience teaching at both the K–12 and university levels, with a particular focus on English as a Second Language. Elena has dedicated her career to advancing educational practices, and she has contributed to numerous educational journals.

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