Ned (Scottish)
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Ned is a derogatory term applied to certain young people in Scotland (similar to the terms chav used in England, skanger in Ireland, and spide in Northern Ireland). The stereotypical view of a ned is an adolescent male youth, of working class background, who wears Burberry, who engages in hooliganism, petty criminality, loutish behaviour, underage drinking and smoking or just irritating others[1]. They are often assumed to be unemployed. The Collins English Dictionary defines ned as "a derogatory term for a young working-class person who dresses in casual sports clothes"[2], although this omits the hooligan element.
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[edit] Etymology
According to Rosie Kane, an MSP for the Scottish Socialist Party ned is an acronym derived from the phrase "non-educated [sic] delinquent"[citation needed], although in truth this derivation is a backronym. In addition, "uneducated" is the more common term[citation needed].
A more plausible explanation is a that the term is derivation of Teddy Boys, a very different cultural phenomenon in terms of style, but similar in the way they were feared by the general public and demonised by the popular press. The term ned was used in Glasgow to describe Teddy Boys in the 1950s, and may have resurfaced to describe these new gangs around the turn of the millennium. Teddy, like Ned, is a derivative of Edward, a reference to the Edwardian-style clothes of the Teddy Boys.
Despite the common belief that 'non-educated delinquent' is the origin of the word 'ned', the actual origin is actually more likely to be from a contraction of an older phrase 'ne'er do well' which suggests a person who will never make anything of his/her life.
[edit] Similar terms and regional variations
Female neds are occasionally referred to as "sengas". Senga is the reverse of Agnes, and is purportedly popular amongst mothers who wish to name their daughters after their grandmother, but dislike the name Agnes. The term nedette is occasionally used as a feminine form. Female neds are also known as "hairies" in certain parts of Glasgow. This alludes to the fact that they are so rough and spend so much time acting like male neds and getting in fights, that they may as well be hairy too. Another explanation is that around the 1940s, women were rarely seen out of doors without a hat of some kind, whereas female neds paid such traditions no mind and thus were referred to as 'hairies' due to their heads being uncovered. Yet another variation is the term "bakey", considered to be derived from "Bakewell Tart".
As well as female 'neds' a new term coming into common usage describes the phenomenon of even younger youths behaving in a 'neddish' manner. Such youths are referred to as 'nedlings' and the rise of the nedling can be seen as an extension of ned culture.
There is some overlap with terms used in England, such as those listed as synonyms in the dictionary entry for "chav", all with similar meaning. Neds seem to have much in common with the Scally generally found in North West England, particularly Liverpool. Some of these names, however, have a racist connection - especially "pikey", since it refers to Romanies - which may not be intended in use.
The term "schemie" is also used in Scotland (from housing schemes), often synonymously with ned, and in some areas bam, derived from bampot. In Edinburgh there is the term nid, derived from the Niddrie housing estate. In Aberdeen and North-East Scotland, the term "bam" is often interchanged with ned. This term has also been heard within the Renfrewshire area of Scotland, and is used quite regularly with the description "Jakey".
[edit] Stereotype
The stereotypical dress of a ned consists of a baseball cap, nearly always worn at an upwards angle. The baseball cap can be seen as a status symbol or identity marker, with certain brands, such as Burberry or Nike, considered preferable along with the MLB Baseball team the New York Yankees. In September 2004, Burberry stopped making branded baseball caps, possibly due to their close association with neds, ned culture, or English chavs [3]. Other items may include a football shirt (often that of a major European club to which the wearer might have no other obvious affiliation) or striped top, and a shell or track suit (often Lacoste or Fred Perry, but also commonly in the colours of a football club (such as Juventus as noted previously). Footwear often consists of trainers (often Lacoste, K Swiss), Rockport or Timberland boots. Accessories include plain gold earrings, chain necklaces and sovereign rings (which are effectively knuckledusters). Female neds commonly display a variety of jewellery, almost always gold, including bangles, sovereign rings, necklace, large hoop earrings and black gloves.
[edit] Neds in the media
Neds are a staple of Scottish comedy, featuring in major comedy shows such as Rab C. Nesbitt, Chewin' the Fat [4] and Still Game, as well as being the butt of jokes by Scottish stand up comedians.
[edit] References
- ^ BBC News - Ned arrives - it's official, retrieved 8th May 2006
- ^ BBC News - Neds make it into the dictionary, retrieved 8th May 2006
- ^ Sky News - End of 'hooligan' cap, retrieved 8th May 2006
- ^ Chewin the Fat - Neducation, retrieved 8th May 2006
