Ned (Scottish)

Definition

The stereotypical view of a 'Ned' is a adolescent male youth, who engages in hooliganism, petty criminality, loutish behaviour, or just causing aggravation to others. It is this habit of seeking confrontation, especially within schools, which had led to condemnation of the group. They are often assumed to be unemployed.

Their female counterparts are occasionally referred to as "Sengas". Senga, the reverse of Agnes is purportedly popular amongst mothers in this social group who wish to name their daughters after their grandmother, but dislike the name Agnes.

In Aberdeen and to a lesser extent in Glasgow, the term "" has come to be used as an alternative for the word "ned". It derives from the word "" which means idiot.

The term "ned" went out of fashion for a number of years, but seems to have made a come back around the turn of the millennium.

Neds in the Media

In Scottish humour, neds play a major role, featuring in major Scottish comedy shows such as Rab C. Nesbitt and Chewin' the Fat, as well as being the butt of jokes by Scottish stand up comedians, and people in general. One of the harshest and most common is:

What is the difference between a dying ned and an onion? Onions make you cry.

Ned "Uniform"

"Neds" are often distinguished by their dresscode. Though there are regional variations, the baseball cap is the common item. Other items may include a football (soccer) shirt or striped top, a shell or track suit (often kappa), and a certain kind of khaki coloured tartan material. Footwear often consists of trainers (US: Sneakers) or Caterpillar/Timberland boots

"Ned brands" (or thought to be) include Burberry, Kappa, Tommy Hilfigger, FCUK etc

Optional accessories include gold jewellery (esp. chains, rings, and a single earring).

Young females don't get called "neds" so often, but if they do, the uniform is sometimes the same as the males, along with extra short skirts, or low slung jeans with a lot of underwear sticking out of the top, hoop earrings, bleached hair and hooded tops. They wear baseball caps less often, but are often the consorts of male neds.

The term has been revived from former times. Apparently when it was used in the 1950s, "neds" in Glasgow were lads who slicked back their hair with paraffin, a far cry from what we think of as neds today.

Although some use "ned" only for young thugs, others apply the term liberally... which includes many working class youths who just happen to dress this way!

Neds vs Goths

However, there is currently (2004) another major grouping in Scotland, the Goths or Nu Metallers, who tend to be middle class youths. They are easily spotted in that they tend to dress in black (sometimes green and purple), and are usually minus baseball caps. Though loosely connected with the Goths of the 1980s, the new Goths appear to be largely an American import.

Needless to say, neds and the nu goths tend to come from different areas.

Ned Hobbies and General Interests

Many keep "mean looking" dogs (especially a pitbull, Bull terrier or rottweiler), which they walk around the streets for display.

Neds are often keen football supporters, following their team everywhere. They also have an interest in modern dance music, especially rave and house.

Ned Speak

A mixture of English, Lowland Scots and slang.

See: [1]

External links