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

He couldn’t walk, but, by the grace of being chased by a few local bullies who grew up to be violent rednecks, managed to run his way out of his leg braces.

From Salon

Hailey, a ramrod military veteran, refuses to be a redneck’s lunch.

From Los Angeles Times

In the mountains he hails from, the community often breaks down into “hippies or rednecks,” said Saxon.

From Los Angeles Times

“Yes, I’m a cowboy, redneck, right-wing conservative, Republican, all of that,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

There was a breakdown with a character called Hurley, and he was listed as something along the lines of a 50-year-old redneck.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• hick 
• hillbilly