Perhaps it did derive from a domestic situation where the use of a carpet slipper in parental chastisement was not uncommon in the 20th century. The school item was simply a thicker, heavier version of the same implement. I can see how a gymshoe could give a strong sting if soundly applied, but I would respectfully suggest that the tawse was even worse. The velocity at the twin tails end of a 24″ tawse at it flew with considerable effort over the shoulder of the teacher was such that the hand received an almighty whack with about the final 5″ of the tails leathering the length of the hand in that instant and the leather was very heavy, stiff and about 8mm thick. It more than took the breath away.
Whole Class Punisment94
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