Why did my son get scared of the name pretty boy?

Question

My son was abused by his dad both physically and sexually. He is 15 years old and Ive had him in my custody for about a month. My son and I was talking tonight and I was joking around with him and called him a pretty boy. My son didnt take well to that and he paniced. My son ran quickly away and hide under his bed. I got him to come out of under the bed and he was shaking horribly and he was pale and sweating horribly. I tried to comfort him but he wouldnt let me. Why did he freak out so badly.

Answer 1

It may have been something that his father had once called him.. i can tell that it's related to something back with his father.. don't ask him about it, just don't say it again.

Answer 2

why do you think...?  Think real hard and it will come to you..

Answer 3

it must have brought back a bad memory from his earlier childhood.

i recommend not using that term on any guy.

Answer 4

His dad probably called him that. Just like everyone else mentioned

Answer 5

That is very scary that a 15 year old would react like that. He is definitely traumatized by what happened to him. You need to get him to a professional asap, if he doesn't see someone already.

Answer 6

If he reacted that badly I think it's time for some outside help.  It could have been the name his dad called him while he was abusing him.  Please get this young boy some professional help.

Answer 7

Pretty boy...makes me think of prison rape. "Come here, pretty boy..."