The Scottish Origins of the term Caught red-handed

By Dave Johnston

The phrase "caught red-handed" originated in 15th-century Scotland, where it literally referred to a criminal caught with blood on their hands from a crime like poaching or murder. 

The term was even used in Scottish law, but became figurative over time. It was first popularized by Sir Walter Scott's 1819 novel Ivanhoe to mean being caught in the act of doing something wrong, with clear evidence of guilt.

Today, the term is still used widely for all sorts of crimes, including raiding the cookie jar!