Just Finding Amusing without Offending

I found a book in the used bookshelves tonight. " The Chav's Handbook"...a term I wouldn't know except from here. I guess not as offensive as the "n word" in the states. But more like "that's so ghetto" in the UK used humorously. Rather funny but I have to channel it through both US and UK cultural references.

I suppose it's people who um, own pit bulls...me...make fun gang signs...not a clue...and maybe you don't want to have as next door neighbors. Thank you for educating me kids...mushy peas too.

Re: Just Finding Amusing without Offending

Had a look up for the word CHAV and it seems to have been
taken over from what it originally was in 1860.
It now means Council housing and violent.

Haven't seen many where I live but it is supposed to be a young
lad or a chavette is the female. They are full of themselves and
try to act older than they are. Wear alot of bling and either wear
designer clothes or mock designer. Have an attitude and want
respect. Yeah exactly. You earn respect not by being a little prat
and having a big mouth.

The N word is not allowed here in the Uk either Ophelia. That is
a word used to a persons colour more than the chav being a kind
of person by attitude. That's how I see it anyway
.

Re: Just Finding Amusing without Offending

Where I live 'Chavvy' is a word used by gypsies for young lads. I think it's been shortened to Chav for modern use as a derogatory term for 'showy' people with bling and designer gear, conspicuous consumption, from poorer backgrounds.

Re: Just Finding Amusing without Offending

It's interesting how language is adapted and what once were words of fondness in certain sections of society suddenly become derogatory.

Re: Just Finding Amusing without Offending

Chav is a well known word here in the south

Re: Just Finding Amusing without Offending

Didn't Kathy Burke play a good chav in Waynetta Slob in Harry Enfield and Chums? A velour tracksuit, large earrings and pulled back hair into a ponytail? That's usually been my interpretation on how female chavs dress.

And usually accompanied by a pushchair full of screaming kids and many shopping bags!

Re: Just Finding Amusing without Offending

Shows my ignorance. I thought Chav was an abbreviation of Chauvanist!

Re: Just Finding Amusing without Offending

Chav = Scumite (male).... Chavette (female) = Scumette.......

Re: Just Finding Amusing without Offending

Time to break out of that sheltered life you have been leading Mups

Re: Just Finding Amusing without Offending

That's my understanding of it. My daughter uses it quite a lot, and refers to the areas where they live as "Chav ville".
Not the sort of place that you want to buy a house.

From experience, 'N's are allowed to use the 'N' word. It's only us 'W's that aren't!