Origins of the Redneck

Ever thought "What is a redneck?" In many peoples minds a redneck is someone who loves the is the south. They love the usual southern foods, they act the southern way, and they are still wishing that the south had won that war.

There are lots of different stories that people believe the term redneck was derived from.

Many believe that the name was given to people who had a red neck from the sun that was caused by constantly working outside their whole life. When the sun is beating on someone for years the effect will cause the skin that is exposed to redden what was once fair skin and cause it to be tough and leathery. By middle aged these workers were often very wrinkled.

Others think that people would use red bandanas and tie them around their necks to show others their loyalty to the union during the nasty fight between owners and the United Mine Workers.

There are some historians that argue the term originated in Scotland. The National Covenant and The Solemn League and Covenant signed some documents that stated that Scotland wanted to become a Presbyterian Church Government and that they would reject the Church of England from being the official church.

Many of these revolters signed these documents by using their own blood. They began to wear red pieces of cloth around their necks to show where they stood in public. Soon people began to call them rednecks. Because many of the early inhabitants lived in the southern parts of the U.S. and came of Scottish descent they were given this term.

Many from the South will gladly be called rednecks and feel a sense of camaraderie from it. But as proud as they might be we aren't sure if they can still endure the many redneck jokes that have been created on their behalf. I guess we'll have to try a few on them and see what happens.