redneck
Redneck (noun) means an informal, often disparaging term for a poor, working-class rural person, especially from the southern United States, sometimes implying narrow-mindedness. Example: “The film leaned on redneck stereotypes for cheap laughs.”
How to use redneck
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn informal (often insulting) label for a poor rural white person in the US South, implying backwardness.
Considered derogatory and best avoided in formal or polite contexts; often used self-referentially in casual speech by the people it describes.
Word forms
rednecks plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The film leaned on _____ stereotypes for cheap laughs.
Etymology
A compound of red and neck, from the sunburned necks of farm labourers who worked outdoors.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “redneck” mean?
The word “redneck” means an informal, often disparaging term for a poor, working-class rural person, especially from the southern United States, sometimes implying narrow-mindedness. In plain terms, an informal (often insulting) label for a poor rural white person in the US South, implying backwardness.
How do you pronounce “redneck”?
“Redneck” is pronounced REHD-nehk (/ˈɹɛdnɛk/ in IPA).
How do you use “redneck” in a sentence?
Here is “redneck” used in a sentence: “The film leaned on redneck stereotypes for cheap laughs.”
What part of speech is “redneck”?
“Redneck” is a noun.