redneck

or red-neck

[ red-nek ]

noun

1. an uneducated white farm laborer, especially from the South.
2. a bigot or reactionary, especially from the rural working class.

adjective

1. Also red-necked. narrow, prejudiced, or reactionary:

   a redneck attitude.

   Synonyms: intolerant, narrow-minded, biased

   Antonyms: impartial, unbiased, tolerant, broad-minded, open-minded, fair-minded

redneck

/ ˈrɛdˌnɛk /

noun

1. (in the southwestern US) a poor uneducated White farm worker
2. a person or institution that is extremely reactionary

adjective

1. reactionary and bigoted

   redneck laws

redneck

1. A slang term, usually for a rural white southerner who is politically conservative , racist, and a religious fundamentalist ( see fundamentalism ). This term is generally considered offensive. It originated in reference to agricultural workers, alluding to how the back of a person's neck will be burned by the sun if he works long hours in the fields.

Sensitive Note

All the senses of this term are used with disparaging intent, implying negative stereotypical traits such as ignorance and narrow-mindedness.

Word History and Origins

Origin of redneck¹

An Americanism dating back to 1820–30; red ¹ + neck

Example Sentences

This essay, “Redneck Lust,” first appeared in the December 1995 issue of GQ and appears here with the author's permission.

From The Daily Beast

"A corporation that contributes liberally to our campaign fund," says Senator Redneck, with a knowing smile.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• hick
• hillbilly