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Original poster

To think 'chav' is not an okay thing to call people?

455 replies

enternow99 · 19/07/2024 15:11

I find the use of chav on Mumsnet shocking. Is this name chavvy? Is this holiday destination chavvy? Is this outfit chavvy? Chavs moved in next door (I'm a leaseholder, they rent!!!!)

I understand its snobbiness but isn't it a bit horrible?

OP posts:
Original poster
enternow99 · 19/07/2024 18:24

Beginningless · 19/07/2024 18:19

I agree with you OP and am disheartened to see how few do. There has always been people experiencing deprivation whom some sectors of society view as an ‘underclass’, without any apparent awareness of the ways they themselves contribute to keeping the gap between the haves and have nots. A poorly worded description there but hopefully you get what I mean.

I find it very interesting to see this attitude on Mumsnet. They'll jump down anyone's throat who uses Karen as a descriptive slur but they have no awareness whatsoever. Super defensive also!

The post from this morning that sparked this post was about how sharm alsheikh is too chavvy, and it's not to the OPs 'vibe'. It got me wondering how someone would use a slur like that with such a huge lack of awareness of how it makes them seem classless.

OP posts:
NastySting · 19/07/2024 18:22

mumbo34 · 19/07/2024 17:48

Ludicrous to compare the n word and the word chav. Utterly incomparable.
You can't help the colour of your skin, you can choose your behaviour. And behaviour is what chavviness comes down to. It's not about wealth.

Growing up I acted like a chav. Wore tracksuits and loads of garish bling, hung around in parks drinking cheap cider etc. Thankfully I grew up and realised the error of my ways. But for a while in my youth, I was a chav. And it was down to my behaviour not my social class (which hasn't changed).

Exactly this, being a chav is something you can do something about (other features, like the colour of your skin are for the most part not something you can change).
Being a chav isn't entirely about what you look like, I see plenty of lovely looking people dressed head to toe in sportswear, some of them even have discreet, well done tattoos! They are not chavs....Being a true chav involves certain behaviours, usually the more antisocial the better. For example, walking around town dressed in sportswear with a bottle of water and enjoying a leisurely day shopping = not a chav. Walking around town in sportswear so see through I can tell your underwear should be white but is now grey whilst carrying a can of Kestrel and screaming at your kids = definitely a chav!
The only way you could possibly be offended is if you have anti social tendencies and have a penchant for discoloured underwear on display at all times?

Riapia · 19/07/2024 18:22

BobbyBiscuits · 19/07/2024 15:16

I certainly wouldn't use that language in real life. It seems a bit outdated. Obviously it's an insult and snobby. But there is an issue here...
How would you describe something or someone cheap and tasteless looking, rude, uncouth, antisocial, uneducated and lacking aspiration? Is there an alternative word to use for such things?

Essex?
😉😁😁

chav1 · 19/07/2024 18:21

mumbo34 · 19/07/2024 18:18

My stance is that being a chav isn't a class issue or something you need to escape from.
Just don't be a dick. It's really simple.
I'm not saying it's a nice word, read my earlier post. I'm saying it's no different to the hundreds of other derogatory terms dished out daily. Of course prejudice isn't ok but it exists in every single walk of life. Being a chav is something that can be changed as it's based on behaviour not age, sex, race or anything else.
That's my view.

Show quote history

If it's a derogatory term, time to stop using it though, and discouraging those that do from a now better informed viewpoint?

Beginningless · 19/07/2024 18:19

I agree with you OP and am disheartened to see how few do. There has always been people experiencing deprivation whom some sectors of society view as an ‘underclass’, without any apparent awareness of the ways they themselves contribute to keeping the gap between the haves and have nots. A poorly worded description there but hopefully you get what I mean.

mumbo34 · 19/07/2024 18:18

chav1 · 19/07/2024 18:14

Is it time to start thinking about it maybe given your stance on here?

My stance is that being a chav isn't a class issue or something you need to escape from.
Just don't be a dick. It's really simple.
I'm not saying it's a nice word, read my earlier post. I'm saying it's no different to the hundreds of other derogatory terms dished out daily. Of course prejudice isn't ok but it exists in every single walk of life. Being a chav is something that can be changed as it's based on behaviour not age, sex, race or anything else.
That's my view.

chav1 · 19/07/2024 18:17

Willyoujustbequiet · 19/07/2024 18:15

It's charva where I'm from and it's part of our dialect. Essentially means a kid who is a bit unruly. I think the meaning might be a different further south.

If you look up the word charva, you'll see the origin / etymology...its akin.

Gatecrashermum · 19/07/2024 18:16

With you all the way, OP

I think it's a hate-filled word, I've never used it, and don't have close friends who use it either.

Willyoujustbequiet · 19/07/2024 18:15

It's charva where I'm from and it's part of our dialect. Essentially means a kid who is a bit unruly. I think the meaning might be a different further south.

chav1 · 19/07/2024 18:14

Is it time to start thinking about it maybe given your stance on here?

chav1 · 19/07/2024 18:13

mumbo34 · 19/07/2024 18:09

@chav1 I mean I don't spend that much of my life discussing or thinking about it to be honest.

But it's ok to prejudge them? Use the slur? Or would you prejudge them as antisocial people (and not "chavs").

"I'm not doling it out to anyone 😂 how dramatic. I don't approach people to inform them that they are chavs. But I also think if people are prepared to behave in an antisocial way then they are going to be prejudged."

mumbo34 · 19/07/2024 18:09

@chav1 I mean I don't spend that much of my life discussing or thinking about it to be honest.

MightyFlorals · 19/07/2024 18:09

It’s a really outdated term - I remember it being used when I was at school in the late 90s/early 00s. We’d call each other chavs, but it didn’t feel offensive, it was said more in jest and I never took offence.

Now, it seems to be used by snobby & judgmental people, it’s very classist, which isn’t cool.

Needmorelego · 19/07/2024 18:09

@arethereanyleftatall but clearly people don't know "EXACTLY" what it means because on this thread people are giving very different descriptions of what they think it means.

chav1 · 19/07/2024 18:07

mumbo34 · 19/07/2024 18:06

@enternow99 I'm not doling it out to anyone 😂 how dramatic. I don't approach people to inform them that they are chavs. But I also think if people are prepared to behave in an antisocial way then they are going to be prejudged.

So it's a say behind their back thing? Behind closed doors?

mumbo34 · 19/07/2024 18:06

@enternow99 I'm not doling it out to anyone 😂 how dramatic. I don't approach people to inform them that they are chavs. But I also think if people are prepared to behave in an antisocial way then they are going to be prejudged.

tolerable · 19/07/2024 18:06

@enternow99 - yeh its never used (on here)as a compliment or in a flattering manner.
@Gingerdancedbackwards - logic of descriptors for a reason is valid.If nything aas it identifies the mindset of the person who uses it surely.

Skinglow · 19/07/2024 18:05

So the woman wearing the Sweaty Betty sports wear on the school run would be labeled a 'chav' then? Or is that an approved MC label?

Original poster
enternow99 · 19/07/2024 18:04

TinkerTiger · 19/07/2024 18:02

…yes I know that many people think that, you are the one that asked the question, hence why I quoted your comment…but I’m beginning to suspect that you’re just looking for an argument and that reason left the chat a while ago.

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Having a back-and-forth discussion is not looking for an argument. Nor am I looking for a reason to be offended.

OP posts:
chav1 · 19/07/2024 18:04

mumbo34 · 19/07/2024 18:02

Ironic given your username 😂

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The n-word is utilised by black people. Glad you picked up on that!

Original poster
enternow99 · 19/07/2024 18:02

mumbo34 · 19/07/2024 17:58

"Why does someone who wears tracksuits and garish accessories have to change their ways? Who are you to decide what a person should drink or wear."

They don't have to change their ways. I don't care what other people wear. But they will be prejudged just like someone wearing goth clothing or designer clothing or sportswear or certain brands. It's disingenuous and unrealistic to suggest this doesn't happen for everyone.
I was referring more to my antisocial behaviour - ie underage drinking in public places - but yes my clothing played a part in it too.

So prejudice is happening so we should accept it?

In your case, you internalised it and changed yourself to escape it. Now you dole it out to others who have not shaped themselves to society's requirements.

OP posts:
TinkerTiger · 19/07/2024 18:02

enternow99 · 19/07/2024 17:56

Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit. HTH is passive-aggressive.

Many people on this thread think nothing of using the word, and many people have said their children use it.

Show quote history

…yes I know that many people think that, you are the one that asked the question, hence why I quoted your comment…but I’m beginning to suspect that you’re just looking for an argument and that reason left the chat a while ago.

mumbo34 · 19/07/2024 18:02

chav1 · 19/07/2024 18:00

If working class, romany, gypsy and traveller peoples are telling posters it's an offensive slur utilised against them and their people, why continue to use it?

Ironic given your username 😂

arethereanyleftatall · 19/07/2024 18:01

Needmorelego · 19/07/2024 16:42

@Screamingabdabz people don't know what it means though - going by this thread.

That is the point of the word. People know EXACTLY what it means.

chav1 · 19/07/2024 18:00

If working class, romany, gypsy and traveller peoples are telling posters it's an offensive slur utilised against them and their people, why continue to use it?

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