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Skinhead Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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skinhead

[ˈskɪn.hɛd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

subculture, youth

A skinhead is a member of a subculture that originated in the United Kingdom in the late 1960s. The subculture is characterized by its distinctive fashion, which often includes shaved heads, and a strong association with music genres like reggae and punk. Skinheads are known for their working-class roots and have historically been involved in various political movements, notably some extremist factions.

Synonyms

punk, subculture member.

Examples of usage

  • He was a skinhead in the 80s punk scene.
  • Skinheads often express their identity through fashion.
  • The film explores the life of a rebellious skinhead.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'skinhead'

The term 'skinhead' emerged in the late 1960s in the UK, initially describing a group of working-class youths who adopted a specific style influenced by both Jamaican rude boys and British mods. The distinctive look included closely cropped hair, typically shaved heads, and fashion items like boots and braces. Initially, skinheads embraced themes of anti-racism and unity through music, particularly reggae and ska. However, as the movement evolved into the 1970s and 1980s, a subset of skinheads began to align with far-right political ideologies, leading to a complicated and often negative perception of the term. This split led to the rise of various factions within the skinhead community, some of which adhered to racist ideologies while others actively opposed such views, creating an ongoing tension that shapes the identity of skinheads to this day.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,172, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.