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Original poster

Derogatory using the term chav?

197 replies

Diamond88 · 14/06/2019 10:09

So I've noticed a lot of responses to disliked names will immediately use the put down of 'chav' or 'chavvy'
I find it a very derogatory and those using it using it as a put down.
Are ppl referring to the lowly working class? Or those who don't have as much money?
Why is ok to use this term?
Or can anyone tell me what the term even means if I've got it wrong?

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kenandbarbie · 14/06/2019 17:03

Arrogant prick perhaps. I can't think of the female version of a posh yob.

Elmo311 · 14/06/2019 17:03

What names are Chav names then ?!
I'm curious. I grew up on an estate where there was lots of fighting amongst youths and their parents sometimes. They would smoke weed on the stairs and take other drugs whilst wearing their tracksuits.
I wasn't like that growing up, but that to me is a chav.
They are also called Bogans in Australia!

kenandbarbie · 14/06/2019 17:06

Not sure we really have the same class insults in Ireland either. Um we have culchie for someone from the country and Jackeen for someone from Dublin, they aren't really as insulting as a chav though, and also not class based. Ah I thought of one, D4 for a posh person from south Dublin.

percheron67 · 14/06/2019 17:06

I was told that it was an acronym for Council Housed and Violent. Don't know who dreamed that one up.

BertrandRussell · 14/06/2019 17:07

What names are Chav names then?”

Grin I wonder if I dare.....

PreseaCombatir · 14/06/2019 17:08

Exactly what I was saying, chav is class related,because no one calls posh people chavs. Doesn’t happen.

BertrandRussell · 14/06/2019 17:11

I think the point is that not all working class people are chavs (obviously) but all chavs are working class. Regardless of financial status.

LolaSmiles · 14/06/2019 17:13

Exactly what I was saying, chav is class related,because no one calls posh people chavs. Doesn’t happen.
Sigh. It's a specific group of people.

Nobody is saying working class people are chavs.

Working class people don't need protecting by some do-gooders wanting to seem woke by faux outrage over a term that most people understand perfectly fine.

Barnabyboy · 14/06/2019 17:13

It has nothing to do with the working class. Wish people would stop saying that.

FiddleFaddleDingDong · 14/06/2019 17:14

yes, Bertrand.

BertrandRussell · 14/06/2019 17:16

“It has nothing to do with the working class. Wish people would stop saying that.”
Yes it is!

BertrandRussell · 14/06/2019 17:17

When was a load of drunken rugger buggers ever been called “chavs”?

LolaSmiles · 14/06/2019 17:20

My background is working class, my values are working class and there's no overlap between my background and culture and value and a bunch of chavs. Same for many people I grew up with. That's why I object to people deciding that chavs are working class. They don't share a background and work ethic and culture and values.

Just like a bunch of toffs who like snashing up restaurants wouldn't have the same values as upper middle classes or upper classes. They're louts with money. To say oh you're so classist for saying toffs exist is as stupid as complaining about people talking about chavs.

FiddleFaddleDingDong · 14/06/2019 17:22

but why aren't the restaurant smashing toffs called chavs?

RomanyQueen · 14/06/2019 17:26

Just stop taking words from other languages and making them into derogatory words.

kenandbarbie · 14/06/2019 17:29

It's just the new word for common, casuals, townies etc.

FiddleFaddleDingDong · 14/06/2019 17:31

Like Tory. Used to be the Irish word for an outlaw and now it means something far more offensive Wink

mothertobe789 · 14/06/2019 17:34

I find it a very rude term to say to someone especially about thier babies name, how can a child's name make them a chat!?! I made the stupid mistake of looking up my 4 month old DDs name on MN and it had alot of negative comments, alot of people saying it was a chav name, was a bit upsetting to be honest!

Pinkmouse6 · 14/06/2019 17:35

It’s not a class issue. I’ve met middle class people with so-called ‘chavvy’ names. It’s an overall attitude/persona more than anything else.

BertrandRussell · 14/06/2019 17:37

“That's why I object to people deciding that chavs are working class. They don't share a background and work ethic and culture and values”
All chavs are working class.
By no means are all working class people chavs.

BertrandRussell · 14/06/2019 17:38

“but why aren't the restaurant smashing toffs called chavs?“
Because they’re not working class.

FiddleFaddleDingDong · 14/06/2019 17:39

exactly

percheron67 · 14/06/2019 17:46

Fiddle - I thought it was another name for a Conservative. What is the dreadful meaning, please?!

FiddleFaddleDingDong · 14/06/2019 17:46

That is the dreadful meaning! Grin

LolaSmiles · 14/06/2019 17:57

They're usually poorer, but they dont embody the values and attitudes of being working class.

When I was a kid it was drilled into me that you work hard in school, work hard, go to university or you get a job and you make an honest living. There was no expectation of going to university or joining a profession but it mattered to have a good work ethic and do your bit.

Chavs don't have that.