Crossword Genius

Innocent youngster who is cruelly treated (8,3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

whipping boy

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'innocent youngster who is cruelly treated' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'innocent youngster' is the wordplay.
'innocent' becomes 'whipping' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'youngster' becomes 'boy' (I've seen this in another clue).
'whipping'+'boy'='WHIPPING-BOY'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for whipping boy that I've seen before include "Target of punishment" , "One blamed for the faults of others" , "Scapegoat" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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