redneck
UK[ˈrɛdnɛk]US[ˈrɛdˌnɛk]
n
A working-class white person from the southern US, especially one with politically conservative views, often used as a derogatory term.
n
A person from a rural area who is seen as uneducated and having old-fashioned views.
Morpheme Breakdown
red
neck
red
color
neck
body part
Etymology
The term 'redneck' originated in late 19th-century America. It literally describes the sunburned neck of a manual agricultural laborer, typically a poor white farmer, resulting from long hours of outdoor work. By the early 20th century, it became strongly associated with rural, working-class whites in the Southern United States, particularly those involved in union organizing among miners and farmers. Over time, its meaning expanded beyond the literal physical description to carry strong socio-political and cultural connotations, often implying conservatism and lack of sophistication, and is frequently used as a derogatory slur.
Analysis
Structure: red (color) + neck (body part)
'red' is from Old English 'rēad', describing the color. 'neck' is from Old English 'hnecca', referring to the part of the body connecting the head and shoulders.
Examples
The stereotype portrays a redneck driving a pickup truck and listening to country music.
Some politicians use the term to appeal to or criticize a certain demographic of rural voters.
He was unfairly dismissed as just a dumb redneck, despite his considerable practical skills.