General
ned
What does ned mean?
A loutish, delinquent young person, often in sportswear; the Scots equivalent of 'chav'.
"A gang o' neds were hingin' aboot the shops."
Origin
Scots slang; popularly a backronym 'non-educated delinquent', though likely from 'Ned', a pet form of Edward for a rough lad.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'ned' mean?
It is a Scots term for a loutish, delinquent young person, often stereotyped as wearing sportswear. It is roughly the Scots equivalent of 'chav'.
Is 'ned' offensive?
It is a derogatory term used as an insult, so it carries class-based connotations and can cause offence. Use with care.
Where does 'ned' come from?
It is often explained as a backronym for 'non-educated delinquent', but it more likely derives from 'Ned', a pet form of Edward once used for a rough lad.
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