Red Hen
The term when used in this context is based on the classic folktale fable The Little Red Hen. The story is applied in teaching children the virtues of a strong work ethic and personal initiative.
In the tale, the little red hen finds a grain of wheat and asks for help from the other farmyard animals to plant it, but they all refuse. At the later stages of harvesting, threshing, milling the wheat into flour, and baking the flour into bread, the little red hen once again asks for help from the other animals, but again she receives none.
Finally, when the little red hen has completed all her tasks, she asks who will help her eat the fresh-baked bread. This time, all the previous non-participants eagerly volunteer, but she immediately refuses them, stating that since no one helped her with the work, no one is entitled to share in the fruits of her labor. Thus, the little red hen goes about eating the fresh-baked bread with her chicks, leaving none for anyone else.
Slang Term: Any person who attempts to take advantage of another by taking credit or gaining benefit from another person's work or efforts with no contribution or input of their own. To expect something for nothing. To take but not give anything in return.
In the tale, the little red hen finds a grain of wheat and asks for help from the other farmyard animals to plant it, but they all refuse. At the later stages of harvesting, threshing, milling the wheat into flour, and baking the flour into bread, the little red hen once again asks for help from the other animals, but again she receives none.
Finally, when the little red hen has completed all her tasks, she asks who will help her eat the fresh-baked bread. This time, all the previous non-participants eagerly volunteer, but she immediately refuses them, stating that since no one helped her with the work, no one is entitled to share in the fruits of her labor. Thus, the little red hen goes about eating the fresh-baked bread with her chicks, leaving none for anyone else.
Slang Term: Any person who attempts to take advantage of another by taking credit or gaining benefit from another person's work or efforts with no contribution or input of their own. To expect something for nothing. To take but not give anything in return.
I finally decided to shorten my list of so-called friends. Take Stephanie for example, she always wants to go out to dinner but never offers to pay. Then there's David. He is always quick to take the credit for the efforts of others, especially when things turn out well, but in fact he makes little if any contribution. Another time I once asked William to help me with some yard work for an upcoming barbecue I was planning. He was a no-show for the work, but made it a point to show up for the party.
Getting rid of them was one of the best decisions I could have ever made. All they were doing is just using me as a red hen.
Getting rid of them was one of the best decisions I could have ever made. All they were doing is just using me as a red hen.
Red Hen by Who 'Dis? Who 'Dat? October 20, 2019
