skinhead
Noun: 1. A member of a subculture: A young person, originally in the United Kingdom and later in other countries like the United States, who is part of a distinct youth group characterized by a specific style, music taste, and, in some factions, political extremism. 2. Appearance-based definition: A person, typically a young man, who shaves their head very short or completely bald. This style is the most recognizable feature of the subculture. 3. Political extremist: A member of a faction within the skinhead subculture that promotes white supremacist, neo-Nazi, or other far-right racist ideologies and engages in demonstrations or violence based on those beliefs. Important Note: This definition applies to a specific, highly politicized faction. The broader skinhead subculture has diverse origins and includes anti-racist factions (e.g., "SHARPs" – Skinheads Against Racial Prejudice).
- As a subculture member:
- In the late 1960s, the skinhead subculture emerged from the mod and working-class scenes in England.
- He dressed like a traditional skinhead, with boots, braces, and a shaved head.
- Referring to appearance:
- The bouncer was a large man with a skinhead.
- Referring to political extremism:
- The rally was disrupted by a group of violent skinheads. (This usage often implies racist or neo-Nazi affiliation without further context.)
- The term can be used attributively (like an adjective) to describe things associated with the subculture.
- skinhead fashion, skinhead music (e.g., Oi!, ska, reggae in the early days), a skinhead gang.
- Context is critical. The word "skinhead" alone does not automatically denote a racist. The surrounding text or conversation usually clarifies the meaning. Terms like "neo-Nazi skinhead" or "racist skinhead" are explicitly political, while "traditional skinhead" or "Trojan skinhead" often refer to the original, apolitical or anti-racist style and music fans.
- Skin (n): A common, shortened slang term within the subculture itself (e.g., "He's a skin.").
- Bonehead (n): A derogatory term used by anti-racist skinheads and others to specifically describe racist, neo-Nazi skinheads, distinguishing them from the broader subculture.
- SHARP (acronym): Stands for "Skinheads Against Racial Prejudice." A direct anti-racist movement within the skinhead subculture.
- Oi! (n): A genre of punk rock music closely associated with parts of the skinhead subculture.
- Boot boy (n, chiefly British, dated): An early synonym for a skinhead.
- Baldie (n, informal): A casual, non-subcultural term for a person with a shaved head.
- White supremacist (n): A synonym only for the specific racist faction of skinheads, not for all skinheads.
- Neo-Nazi (n): A synonym only for the specific racist faction of skinheads, not for all skinheads.
- (To get) a skinhead: A phrase meaning to shave one's head very short.
- He decided to get a skinhead for the summer.
- Skinhead reggae: Refers to early reggae music that was popular with the original skinheads in the UK in the late 1960s, highlighting the subculture's multicultural musical roots, which contrast with its later racist associations.
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a young person who belongs to a British or American group that shave their heads and gather at rock concerts or engage in white supremacist demonstrations