Deadbeat definition

I picked the kids up from school this afternoon and while William was buckling in he said, "Mommy, did you know that a deadbeat is someone who is lazy or who doesn't work hard?"  I said, "Yes, I did know that.  How do you know that?"  He said, "I asked my teacher what deadbeat meant and that's what she told me."  I said, "Where did you hear that word?"  He said, "I don't remember but I wanted to know what it meant so I asked my teacher today."

If a newly 4-year old asked you that question what would your assumption be?  Mine would be that he heard the word at home probably from the mother in reference to the father.  Isn't that what you would think?  Or am I totally paranoid?

I sat in the front seat of the car in the parking lot debating whether I should go in and inform the teacher that he didn't hear the word from me.  Ever. But I didn't because I thought that's exactly what a mother who used that word in reference to the father would do.  Am I totally paranoid? 

I'm guessing he didn't hear it on Curious George or Special Agent OSO so I'm wondering what he saw or heard that I wasn't aware of.  It's not a bad word but it sure is a funny word for a 4 year old to know, remember, and then ask the definition of.  Could be worse.