Definition

1. Noun:
   • A tough youth of the 1950s and 1960s wearing Edwardian-style clothes: "Ted" refers specifically to a member of a British youth subculture, typically characterized by a rebellious attitude and a distinctive style of dress inspired by the Edwardian era.

Usage

• The word "Ted" is a proper noun in this context, often capitalized. It is a shortened form of "Teddy boy." It is used to refer to an individual member of this historical subculture or to the group collectively.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The film depicted a gang of Teds hanging around the street corner.
  • He dressed like a Ted, with his drape jacket and crepe-soled shoes.

Advanced Usage

• "Teddy boy": The full term for a "Ted." This is the more common and formal name for the subculture member.
  • The Teddy boy style made a brief comeback in the 1970s.

Variants and Related Words

• Teddy boy (n): The full term for a member of this subculture.
• Teddy girl (n): A female member of the same subculture.

Synonyms

• Youth: A young person (general term).
• Rebel: A person who resists authority or convention (broader term, not specific to the subculture).

Notes on Different Meanings

• The entry word "ted" (lowercase) can also be a verb meaning to spread or turn grass for drying (to make hay). However, this is a completely separate and less common meaning. The primary definition provided here is for the proper noun "Ted" referring to the youth subculture member.
  • Example of the verb: The farmer tedded the hay in the field.

Noun

1. a tough youth of 1950's and 1960's wearing Edwardian style clothes