Throughout the United States, many different subcultures and groups have emerged. They can be colorful, unique, and sometimes polarizing. One such group has firmly established itself as a fixture in the American South, and they are known by the nickname 'redneck.' The history of the word is older than most people realize, stretching back hundreds of years.
It began in Scotland in the 17th century, when a group of Presbyterians rejected the bishops who attempted to lead them. They worked hard to keep their religious freedom, even going so far as to sign important documents with their own blood. They identified themselves as part of the cause by wearing red cloth around their necks, and they became known for this. Eventually, 'red neck' became a general term for any Scottish Presbyterian. It is possible that, when many of them moved to the American South to start new lives, they took this nickname with them. Its first recorded usage in the United States was in 1830.
Soon, the word became an even more general term, until it no longer specifically described people of a certain religious group. By 1893, it had come to describe farmers and sharecroppers in the South. Because they were always out in the sun working, their necks were often bright red. This is probably where the modern usage of the word originates.
Within 20 years, the word was used to describe unionized miners. In the Appalachian area, many showed their affiliation by the means of a red handkerchief, which was part of their normal work attire, and this soon became a way to call people as well. Their opponents used it as a negative term.
Similarly, the term in its general use has shifted from describing simple, hard-working farmers to casting a negative light on working-class southerners. It can carry a connotation of bigotry and backwardness. In addition, it is often associated with the Confederate cause, which in turn leads to an association with segregation.
Many Southerners, proud of their heritage, have worked to change the connotation of the term in recent years. Multiple singers and comedians have used redneck culture as part of their songs or acts, earning them both followers who self-identify with the word and others who want to share a good-natured laugh. They claim that the word describes people who are proud, independent, and have a strong work ethic.
From its origins as a term to describe Scottish people persecuted for their religious beliefs, the word 'redneck' has come a long way. It has been used to negatively describe working-class southerners, but has also been reclaimed by the same group. Today, it is frequently used proudly, by a people who consider themselves to be independent and uncomplicated.
It began in Scotland in the 17th century, when a group of Presbyterians rejected the bishops who attempted to lead them. They worked hard to keep their religious freedom, even going so far as to sign important documents with their own blood. They identified themselves as part of the cause by wearing red cloth around their necks, and they became known for this. Eventually, 'red neck' became a general term for any Scottish Presbyterian. It is possible that, when many of them moved to the American South to start new lives, they took this nickname with them. Its first recorded usage in the United States was in 1830.
Soon, the word became an even more general term, until it no longer specifically described people of a certain religious group. By 1893, it had come to describe farmers and sharecroppers in the South. Because they were always out in the sun working, their necks were often bright red. This is probably where the modern usage of the word originates.
Within 20 years, the word was used to describe unionized miners. In the Appalachian area, many showed their affiliation by the means of a red handkerchief, which was part of their normal work attire, and this soon became a way to call people as well. Their opponents used it as a negative term.
Similarly, the term in its general use has shifted from describing simple, hard-working farmers to casting a negative light on working-class southerners. It can carry a connotation of bigotry and backwardness. In addition, it is often associated with the Confederate cause, which in turn leads to an association with segregation.
Many Southerners, proud of their heritage, have worked to change the connotation of the term in recent years. Multiple singers and comedians have used redneck culture as part of their songs or acts, earning them both followers who self-identify with the word and others who want to share a good-natured laugh. They claim that the word describes people who are proud, independent, and have a strong work ethic.
From its origins as a term to describe Scottish people persecuted for their religious beliefs, the word 'redneck' has come a long way. It has been used to negatively describe working-class southerners, but has also been reclaimed by the same group. Today, it is frequently used proudly, by a people who consider themselves to be independent and uncomplicated.
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Looking for more info on the distinct redneck social group ? Get the low down now in our guide to all you need to know about rednecks on http://projectredneck.com. This article, A Basic Guide To The History Of The American Redneck has free reprint rights.
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