Where did the term “redneck” originate from?
The popular etymology says that the term derives from such individuals having a red neck caused by working outdoors in the sunlight over the course of their lifetime. The effect of decades of direct sunlight on the exposed skin of the back of the neck not only reddens fair skin, but renders it leathery and tough, and typically very wrinkled by late middle age. Another popular theory stems from the use of red bandanas tied around the neck to signify union affiliation during the violent clashes between United Mine Workers and owners between 1910 and 1920. Some historians claim that the term redneck originated in 17th century Virginia, when indentured servants were sunburnt while tending plantation crops. An alternative origin of the term comes from Scotland. In Scotland, the National Covenant and The Solemn League and Covenant (aka Covenanters)signed documents stating that Scotland desired a Presbyterian Church Government, and rejected the Church of England as their official church. Many
