Ned (Scottish)
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Ned is a derogatory term applied to certain young people in Scotland (similar to the term chav used in England, although used long before). The stereotypical view of a "Ned" is an adolescent male youth, of any race or background who engages in hooliganism, petty criminality, loutish behaviour, or just irritating others[BBC News - Ned arrives - it's official], retrieved 8th May 2006. They are often assumed to be unemployed Also see Gang rivalry in Glasgow [Urban Dictionary - ned], retrieved 8th May 2006.
The Collins English Dictionary defines 'ned' as 'a derogatory term for a young working-class person who dresses in casual sports clothes[BBC News - Neds make it into the dictionary], retrieved 8th May 2006, although this omits the hooligan element.
Etymology
According to Rosie Kane, an MSP for the Scottish Socialist Party "ned" is an acronym derived from the phrase "non-educated [sic] delinquent", although in truth this derivation is a backronym. In addition, "uneducated" is the more common term.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 derivation of Edward, a reference to the Edwardian-style clothes of the Teddy Boys.
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.There is some overlap with terms used in England, such as those listed as synonyms in [[Wiktionary:chav#Synonyms|the dictionary entry for "chav"]], all with similar meaning. Neds seem to have much in common with the Scally generally found in the North West England. Some of these names, however, have a racist connection - especially "pikey", since it refers to Romanies - which may not be intended in use.
The terms "schemy" (or "schemie") and "casual" were used in Scotland in the 1980s and early 1990s, although the former could apply to any age, and the latter normally to football thugs; not regular supporters, but merely 'casual' attendees, along for a fight. These terms are often used synonymously with "Ned".
In Aberdeen (and, to an extent, in Glasgow) the term "[[Wiktionary:bam|bam]]" has come to be used as an alternative for the word "ned". In some places around Glasgow, bam is becoming a title for a different group of people - young delinquents who are not necessarily uneducated but partake in similar petty criminalities but it is merely for image as they are rather well off in reality. It derives from the word "[[Wiktionary:bampot|bampot]]" which means idiot. In Dundee the word "[[Wiktionary:gadgie|gadgie]]" (Romany for man) is often used, and in Edinburgh there is the term "[[Wiktionary:nid|nid]]", derived from the local Niddrie housing estate.
Stereotype
The stereotypical dress consists of:- Most commonly, 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. In September 2004, Burberry stopped making branded baseball caps, possibly due to their close association with neds, ned culture, or English chavs [Sky News - End of 'hooligan' cap], retrieved 8th May 2006. 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, but also commonly in the colours of a football club as noted previously). Footwear often consists of trainers (often Lacoste), or Caterpillar or Rockport or Timberland boots.
- Ski jackets, usually Berghaus or North Face brand are another common part of the uniform, normally in the trademark red or blue colours with yellow trim.
- Musical influences include happy hardcore dance music culture and DJing (see DJ Rankin)
- "Ned brands" (or thought to be) include Burberry, Ben Sherman, Lacoste, Fred Perry, Helly Hansen, Henry Lloyd, Lonsdale and other such ostentatiously expensive brands.
- Optional accessories include gold jewellery; particularly curb chains, sovereign rings ("coin rings" in particular), and a single ear ring or stud in the left ear (piercing the right ear only is considered a signal that one is homosexual #redirect [[Template:Fact]]).
- Young females of the same general type are often called "neds", the uniform is often the same as the males, hiking jackets, lacoste and football tracksuits with boys trainers, hoop earrings and gold chains displaying the wearer's name, bleached hair tied back into a pony tail (also known as a council estate face lift) with brightly coloured [[Wiktionary:Scrunchie|Scrunchies]] and hooded tops. The use of "Fake Tan" also is becoming popular, and many young female neds now sport a rather "unhealthy orange glow".Also, this look can be achieved by wearing cheap foundation that is two shades too dark and often rubs off on their white hooded tops. They wear baseball caps less often, but are often the consorts of male neds. Large numbers of gold necklaces (usually with the letters of their name), rings and bangles are commonly worn, presumably to give the impression of wealth, which is usually contrary to the truth.
- A variation of the "ned uniform" is applied to the so-called "workie ned", i.e young males who become employed within the trades, or as unskilled labourers doing menial jobs. Here the trainers are usually replaced by a pair of tan coloured rigger-type boots, and a hard hat replacing the baseball cap.
Ned hobbies and general interests
Other than their alleged tendency towards violence (a violent incident involving many 'neds' is sometimes refered to as a 'bamarama' or a 'bam rammy'), and generally being unpleasant to members of the public, neds are presumed to be interested in hatchback cars, which they often accessorise with heavy bass sound systems, darkened glass, alloy wheel rims, and tail fins. In 2005, Grampian Police implemented a dispersal order to deal with antisocial behaviour on Aberdeen's Beach Boulevard, where groups of "neds" were congregating to use the road as a race track. They also have an interest in modern dance music, especially rave and house. This contrasts with Chavs, which generally prefer mainstream Pop and RnB, in addition to Drum and Bass.Buckfast Tonic Wine is widely regarded as the neds' preferred drink. This is often referred to as "buckie", and is sold in a glass bottle which can also be used as a weapon. Referred to as a "bottle'o'buckie"(or, a bottle of "Whit the F*ck you lookin' at?"), the sweetness of the drink and its high alcohol and caffeine content has meant that it has become attractive to younger drinkers' palates. For the same reasons, alcopops are also popular, especially MD 20/20, which is nicknamed "Mad Dog" and Blue WKD is also popular with female neds.
Ned speak
'Ned speak' consists of mixture of English, Scots and Scots slang such as Glaswegian, along with American hip-hop slang. The Rab Corbett prank phone call Snudge used ned speak to humourous effect.Neds in the media
Neds are a staple of Scottish comedy, featuring in major comedy shows such as Rab C. Nesbitt, Chewin' the Fat [Chewin the Fat - Neducation], retrieved 8th May 2006 and Still Game, as well as being the butt of jokes by Scottish stand up comedians, and people in general. The familiar stereotype can also be seen in the work of author Irvine Welsh, although his portrayal is more sympathetic because he's a Hibs fan.See also
External links
References
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