Reds

Reds is a term with several distinct meanings, all rooted in the color red and its symbolic associations. In politics and history, Reds has long been used as a shorthand for socialist and communist movements, parties, and forces. The label has appeared in many contexts, from revolutionary movements in the early 20th century to the naming of the Red Army during the Russian Civil War, and it has featured in cultural and media discourse during periods of anti-communist sentiment such as the Red Scare.

In sports, Reds is a popular nickname for several teams. The Cincinnati Reds are a Major League Baseball franchise based in Cincinnati, Ohio. Founded in 1882 as the Cincinnati Red Stockings, the club adopted Reds as its permanent name. In England, Liverpool F.C. is commonly referred to as “the Reds” because of its red home kit, a usage dating from the early 20th century.

In culture, Reds also refers to a 1981 biographical film about American journalist John Reed, directed by Warren Beatty. The term appears in other media and branding where the color red signals energy, danger, passion, or prominence. Across these uses, Reds functions as a label tied to color symbolism and historical associations, rather than a single, unified concept.