redneck

Redneck is a term used in American English to describe rural, working-class white people, particularly in the Southern United States. In modern usage it can be descriptive, pejorative, or self-applied, depending on tone, context, and the speaker’s intent.

The phrase is often linked to sunburned necks from long hours outdoors, such as farming or manual labor. While its exact origins are unclear, redneck as a label appears in American English from the late 19th century onward and spread with rural labor culture.

Geographically, the label is most associated with rural areas in the South, Appalachia, and some parts of the Midwest, though usage varies widely. Cultural associations commonly cited in popular culture include conservative politics, Protestant Christian faith, country music, hunting and fishing, and auto racing. Stereotypes portray rednecks as unsophisticated or uneducated, a portrayal contested by those who view the term as a source of regional pride or identity. The term can be used affectionately or insultingly, and its reception depends on who uses it and who is described.

Related terms include hillbilly, cracker, and, less commonly, white trash. These terms differ in regional scope and offensiveness. Debates about the label reflect broader tensions over regional identity, class, and who gets to define cultural stereotypes.