Where Did the Word 'Redneck' Come From? The Surprising History of the Southern Slang Word

The article traces the history of the term redneck, exploring multiple origins and interpretations. It notes that the word emerged in Scotland in the 17th century, when dissenting Presbyterians wore red scarves and signed manifestos in blood, a lineage later connected to rural white communities in the Southern United States. The Oxford English Dictionary first cited the term in 1893, defining it as a pejorative for poorer, rural whites; theories linking the term to sunburn, scarves, or other signs of class friction persist. The piece also discusses racial implications and modern misuse, including a noted example of a historically problematic shop once located in Laurens, South Carolina.