Ned (Scottish)
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Template:Wiktionarypar Ned is a derogatory term applied to certain young people in Scotland, similar to the term chav. 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. They are often assumed to be unemployed. Image:Glasgow youths 4 06.jpg
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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.
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. Some of these, 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 "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 "bampot" which means idiot. In Dundee the word "gadgie" (Romany for man) is often used, and in Edinburgh there is the term "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. Other items may include a football (soccer) 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.
- Major influences include happy hardcore dance music culture, DJ'ing ("Bouncy Tunes") and soccer clothing, and chav culture from neighbouring England.
- "Ned brands" (or thought to be) include Burberry, Ben Sherman, Lacoste, Fred Perry, Henry Lloyd, Lonsdale and other such ostentatiously expensive brands.
- Optional accessories include gold jewellery; particularly curb chains, 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).
- 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 with brightly coloured Scrunchiesand hooded tops. The use of "Fake Tan" also is becoming popular, and many young female neds now sport a rather "unhealthy orange glow". They wear baseball caps less often, but are often the consorts of male neds. Large numbers of gold necklaces, 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.
Although some use "ned" only for young thugs, the majority of the general public apply the term liberally to include any working class youth who dresses in this manner.
Ned hobbies and general interests
Other than their alleged tendency towards violence 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, often referred to as a "bottle'o'buckie". 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.
Neds in the media
Neds are a staple of Scottish comedy, featuring in major comedy shows such as Rab C. Nesbitt, Chewin' the Fat 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.