Ned (Scottish)

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Ned is a derogatory term applied to certain young people in Scotland, akin to the term chav in England. The stereotypical view of a ned is a white adolescent male, of working class background, who wears fake Burberry, who engages in hooliganism, petty criminality, loutish behaviour, underage drinking and smoking or general anti-social behaviour^[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.

1 Etymology
2 Similar terms
3 Stereotype
4 Neds in the media
5 References
6 External links

[edit] Etymology

The exact origin of the term remains unclear. According to Rosie Kane, former MSP for the Scottish Socialist Party ned is an acronym derived from the phrase "non-educated [sic] delinquent"^[3], although in truth this derivation is a backronym. In addition, "uneducated" is the more usual term.

[edit] Similar terms

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The term "schemie" is also used in Scotland, a reference to housing "schemes" is used synonymously with "ned" and in Edinburgh there is the term "nid", derived from the Niddrie housing estate. The term "bam" can still be heard in the same context, but "ned" has generally replaced it in modern culture. "Bam" is also generally used more narrowly to describe a lack of intelligence or common sense. The words "nedette" and "senga" are occasionally used to refer to female "neds".

[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 ^[4]. 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. Accessories include plain gold earrings, chain necklaces and sovereign rings (which are effectively knuckledusters). Female neds (sometimes known as Sengas) commonly display a variety of jewellery, almost always gold.

Teenage neds are stereotypically associated with underage drinking, smoking and drugs in parks and public places, at any time of day. Iconically they are associated with Buckfast Tonic Wine, which has nicknames including 'Buckie', 'The Wine', 'Tonic', 'commotion lotion' and 'wreck-the-hoose juice'.^[5].

[edit] Neds in the media

The crime writer and broadcaster Bill Knox regularly referred to burglaries and theft as being perpetrated by 'neds' in the 1970s police report series Crimedesk, made and broadcast by STV.^{[citation needed]}

Neds are a staple of Scottish comedy, featuring in major comedy shows such as Rab C. Nesbitt, Chewin' the Fat ^[6] and Still Game, as well as being the butt of jokes by Scottish stand up comedians.