The phrase poster child originally referred to a child afflicted by some disease or deformity whose picture is used on posters to raise money for charitable purposes; "she was the poster child for muscular dystrophy".

However, the term is usually used metaphorically, meaning a shining example or model of its type.

See also: embodiment, epitome and archetype.

Examples

• Ryan White was considered a poster child for societal acceptance of AIDS, after he contracted the disease from a blood transfusion and was expelled from his school.