I learned a new word, and it turns out the word is a slur for a person who is working class. That seems very nasty, considering that statistically speaking, working class people are the majority of Britain. Most British people I know online are against racial slurs yet throw around the slur “chav” like it’s nothing. Why?

  • erusuoyera@sh.itjust.works
    15·
    3 months ago

    “Chav” doesn’t mean working class though. It’s a type of working class person, sure, but not all working class people by any stretch.

    Edit. In fact I’m sure it could be applied to middle and upper class (particularly new money) people too. ie driving a white range rover in ones designer tracksuit is pretty chavvy.

      • bryndos@fedia.io
        2·
        3 months ago

        Hmmn, a “journalist” . . . that’s a much worse slur, the way I use English.

        I’d far rather have a pint with a chav than any fucking journo.

        I agree with previous comment. Chav is a subculture that partially intersects with most other classes, except probably no overlap with fully inbred level pure-toffs. I’d say well over half of working class would not be classed as chav.

      • zxqwas@lemmy.world
        1·
        3 months ago

        I’m not a Brit, but when I hear chav it’s not working class I think of. It’s someone young, skipping school and some unholy mix of gopnik and mumble rapper.

  • theskyisfalling@lemmy.dbzer0.com
    10·
    3 months ago

    Chav -

    “A person in Britain of a type stereotypically known for engaging in aggressively loutish behavior especially when in groups and for wearing flashy jewelry and athletic casual clothing (such as tracksuits and baseball caps)”

    That is a more accurate description, class isn’t really anything to do with it, it is more about the behaviour, attitude and style.

    • beerclue@lemmy.world
      1·
      3 months ago

      I read this in Sazed’s accent, from Mistborn. He used to finish sentences with “I think” :)