bakgäng

Bakgäng is a Swedish term that literally translates to "back gang" or "rear gang." In a general context, it can refer to a group of people who are associated with the rear or back of something, such as a group of people standing at the back of a queue or a group of individuals supporting a sports team from the back of the stadium.

However, the term "bakgäng" has also gained a more specific and often negative connotation in Swedish popular culture and media. In this usage, it can refer to a group of individuals who are perceived as being on the fringes of society, often associated with petty crime, disruptive behavior, or a general sense of being undesirable. This can include loosely organized groups of youths loitering in public spaces, engaging in vandalism, or causing disturbances.

The perception of what constitutes a "bakgäng" can be subjective and is often influenced by social class, socioeconomic factors, and media portrayal. While some may use the term descriptively, it is frequently employed as a label to stigmatize or generalize about certain groups of people. It is important to note that not all individuals who might be described as part of a "bakgäng" engage in criminal activity, and the term can be an oversimplification of complex social dynamics. The term's usage can sometimes reflect societal anxieties about youth culture, marginalization, and public order.