I’m surprised people here are still openly using that term.

What would be a non volatile equivalent term? (Not being sarcastic. I don't see it as a good term I just can't think of a neutral term of similar meaning.)

I won’t ask dang to remove it from the post, because that would actually make this conversation seem out of place, but I doubt that I’ll use the term in the future. Won’t be the first anachronistic term I’ve stopped using.

Not a big deal. I can always work to modify awkward habits.

Sorry if I my comment made you you feel uncomfortable. I see no evidence that any red headed stepchildren or their parents have been offended here. I just always feel when I hear this phrase, that as someone with a vested interest I should give the red step children a shout out.

Not a problem. I am always glad to see alternative perspectives.

Give my regards to your dear Ginger. I'm married to one.

I see no evidence that any red headed stepchildren, their parents or their spouses have been offended here.

Odd one out? Even difficult child? beyond that I’m not sure as I think it’s meaning can change from person to person. Key takeaway is just don’t use that term.

Got me thinking about that too and doing some googling I didn’t find anything that fits perfectly into what OP wanted to express. I suppose it’s best to rephrase it entirely.

I have never ever encountered anyone that took it as anything other than a joke.

Congratulations on your award.

So why bother with the snarky reply then?

Maybe it might encourage people to stop turning non-issues into issues in the first place?

So you can in no way see how the phrase might make someone feel uncomfortable and that it might just be easier to use another phrase, which, OP already said they’d noted and are fine with doing? If it’s not an issue then phrase it differently.