Redneck is a derogatory slang word that was originally used to describe poor white Southerners in America. The word is historically derived from the sun burned necks of white farmers and laborers who worked predominantly outside. Recently the term has expanded its meaning to include the bigoted and medieval ways of Southern conservatives and segregationists.

It was a very common word in the nineteen hundreds and it was used to describe Southern farmer’s political beliefs. The term, back then, was used by the very group itself, who used it proudly at their union meetings and rallies.

Members of the American Mine Workers Union both welcomed and adopted the term. They began even wearing red bandannas, which themselves became famous, to their meetings and rallies. During a good portion of the thirties and twenties, in fact, the word became nearly synonymous with strikers and union members. A lot of linguists believe this development with the word happened independently and simultaneously as the first.

However, by the early sixties the word had become a derogatory bit of slang and was utilized to describe those who were against modern ways and had bigoted and conservative views. It was an particularly appropriate word when it was utilized to describe the anti equal rights believers of the time.

Even today, when used to describe people with painfully out of date beliefs, the term is hardly derogatory. And unfortunately, such people, such as those who are against gay rights and marriage, are in no short supply.

Today though, there are still Southerners who proudly describe themselves as rednecks and wouldn’t have it any other way. They wear camouflaged patterned shirts and hats that display the word and list so called ‘blue collar’ Southerners as their favorite comedians. To these citizens, the term is in now way offensive.