1 definition by Annie G.
The idea that redneck originated from laborers and farmers who had sun burnt or red necks is a myth. The term actually originated during the mining wars in the 1920's. The union miners and non-union miners were fighting because union workers were losing there jobs because during this time joining a worker's union was thought to be communist and could be considered treason. When the union and non-union workers fought the non-union workers wore white arm bands and the union workers wore red bandanas around their necks. The slang term for a union worker then became "redneck" but now the meaning has turned into a derogitory and ignorant term.
by Annie G. April 27, 2006