the.com/fair game
The moment pity expires and mockery becomes a public service.
means Something or someone considered legitimately open to criticism, mockery, or pursuit because they've put themselves in a vulnerable or exposed position.
from Lifted straight from hunting law: 'game' meant wild animals fit for the chase, and certain species or seasons were legally designated 'fair' to hunt — protected game versus fair game, no poaching required. By the 1800s the phrase leapt from forests to drawing rooms, used of people and reputations instead of deer and grouse — once you'd made yourself public or foolish enough, you too were fair game, open season, no bag limit.
- origin
- 18th-century hunting law, protected species vs open targets
- shift
- legal term became social permission slip
- modern use
- invoked right before someone gets roasted