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Ned is a term applied to certain people in Scotland, akin to the term chav in England. The stereotypical view of a ned is a white adolescent male (although this term does not exclude females, the female equivalent is generally referred to as a Senga or Nedette)^[1], of working class background, who wear brand names (particularly Lacoste), gold jewellery (females often wear their name in large gold lettering), and engages in hooliganism, petty criminality, loutish behaviour, fighting, underage drinking and smoking or general anti-social behaviour^[2]. They are often assumed to be unemployed.

Neds are associated with gangland violence particularly in poorer urban areas but also countryside areas. They are also associated with Scotland's knife culture where youths will 'chib' (Stab) to prove themselves to a gang.

Football hooliganism and sectarianism also fuels Ned culture deep seated religious hatred between Catholics and Protestants leads to violence between those who support and wear the colours of the 'Protestant' lowland football teams Glasgow Rangers and Edinburgh's Hearts, and those who support the 'Catholic' Glasgow Celtic and Edinburgh's Hibernian. The irony is that these individuals are far from religious and only use it as an excuse for fighting. Also the similar clash between Nationalist and Unionist views associated with both teams leads to violence, neds often associate themselves with the troubles in Ireland claiming to follow the IRA or UVF.

The Collins English Dictionary defines ned as "a derogatory term for a young working-class person who dresses in casual sports clothes"^[3], although this omits the hooligan element.

In Glasgow, the term "tea boy" has become an increasingly popular alternative to "ned." "Tea mobile" (a play on mobile phone corporation T-Mobile), a reference to a ned's automobile, has also spun off from this term.^[4]

Contents 1 Stereotype 2 In popular culture 3 References 4 External links

[edit] Stereotype

The stereotypical dress of a ned consists of 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 Aquascutum. In September 2004, Burberry discontinued branded baseball caps, possibly due to their close association with neds, ned culture, or English chavs ^[5]. Other items may include a football shirt (often that of an Old Firm team or a major European club to which the wearer might have no other obvious affiliation) or striped top, and a shell or track suit. Accessories include plain gold earrings, chain necklaces and sovereign rings. Popular clothing brands include Lacoste, McKenzie, G-star, Henleys, Fred Perry and Lonsdale.

Teenage neds are stereotypically associated with gangs, vandalism, disturbance of the peace, underage drinking, sectarianism, teenage pregnancy, smoking and drugs in parks and public places, at any time of day. They are associated with Buckfast Tonic Wine, which has nicknames including "Buckie", "The Wine", "Tonic", "commotion lotion" and "wreck-the-hoose juice".^[6]. It is also common to hear the phrase "Buckfast makes you f*** fast" - which goes hand-in-hand with the image of reckless, promiscuous behaviour allegedly common among neds.

[edit] In popular culture

The crime writer and broadcaster Bill Knox regularly referred to burglaries and theft as being perpetrated by "neds" in the 1970s police report series Crimedesk, made and broadcast by STV.^{[citation needed]}

Neds are a staple of Scottish comedy, featuring in major comedy shows such as Rab C. Nesbitt, Chewin' the Fat ^[7] and Still Game, as well as being the butt of jokes by Scottish stand up comedians.

Film maker Basil Khalil has made a short documentary about neds in the town of Paisley, which has fairly or unfairly been named the Scottish capital of the neds. Khalil also states in his documentary that the name NED is derived from Non Educated Delinquents, but it appears to be a backronym and he is probably using a quote from a Member of the Scottish Parliament as reference^[8].

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Dispersal orders in Aberdeen (BBC News)