What Is A Redneck?

The term redneck has often been used as a derogatory slang name for southern, poor white people. While some consider it an insult, others are just fine with being deemed a redneck. The redneck title has been around for a long time and has slowly had a change in meaning over the years.
The original definition was made up for a person who worked outdoors a lot. They would get sunburned on the back of the neck, giving them a red neck, hence the name redneck. This term was generally applied to slaves or indentured servants who were forced to work outside for long periods of time. Back then sunscreen did not exist and sunburn was inevitable. During the hippie-era, this term was used for the people who had short hair. The long haired hippies did not get the sunburns the short haired people suffered.

Another theory that has been tossed around was developed around 1910 or so. The people who supported the mineworker unions, wore red handkerchiefs around their neck. This was during the clash between mine owners and mine workers. The mineworkers wore red handkerchiefs to show solidarity.

Today the term redneck is often used to refer to people who live in small towns or farming communities. Rednecks are considered to be uneducated, poor and Caucasian. While many people who are considered redneck do not take it as an insult, there are a few who still do. A redneck is considered old fashioned and out of touch with current trends and fashions. People who live in trailers in rural areas are frequently referred to as redneck.

Redneck is used in comedic routines all the time, and country singers use the term often in their songs. There are literally thousands of jokes that have to do with a person being considered a redneck. Lots of true rednecks are proud to be labeled with the name and do what they can to live up to its standards. Country folk are considered redneck because they enjoy working outside and drive old pick-ups instead of fancy new vehicles. Rednecks enjoy a simple life and do not care about the views of city folk.