I'm not a football hooligan or chav vandal
but I've still been bundled into the same labelled group as them by persons of other ethnic groups based on simple assumptions like my skin colour or clothing. Likewise to me people who live in caravans, commit crime and squat on public land are Pikeys.

Point is if people of one culture do a lot to alienate or upset persons outside that group, they get labelled and persons or groups similar or sympathetic to them often get tarred with the same brush.

You're right there is a distinction between travellers and gypsies, also not all travellers are bad people. It's just that I, nor anyone I know or have spoken to, have EVER met a nice "traveller".

I'm always willing to change my opinion, but the story above is one based on personal experience. Likewise, where I've grown up, people who squat in caravans on public land are called Pikeys. OK, you and others may know them by different names, to me they're Pikeys.

Sorry if you don't like it.


There's an old fella in my town, he lives in a traditional wooden caravan, has a shire horse and plays a violin in town busking for money. To me he's a gyspy. He lives in a Gypsy caravan. He and I say hello whenever he's there and he's a nice bloke. He's not a Pikey. Nor has he ever tried to knife me or steal my wallet. See, I understand the difference between gypsies and Pikeys.
(golddust QOTW now revolves around being a cunt, Thu 27 May 2010, 15:31, 2 replies)

Oh you're a chav are you?
That explains a lot. Sorry. Couldn't resist. But within the travelling community the word pikey can be quite insulting if misapplied. However based on your original description of the people involved, it seems like you hit the nail on the head.
( jim_bob can herd cats., Thu 27 May 2010, 15:34, closed)

lol, no worries!
But illustrates the point. White, sports clothing, likes a drink. I wouldn't blame someone for using the term about me although I know I'm not one.
(golddust QOTW now revolves around being a cunt, Thu 27 May 2010, 15:36, closed)

That's the thing.
I don't apply the the stereotype to the physical description. More the attitude. Most people I see dressed as you describe I mentally file under "human". Seems easier somehow.
( jim_bob can herd cats., Thu 27 May 2010, 15:39, closed)

*facepalms*

( Wicca'd Witch needs ideas for a new sig on..., Thu 27 May 2010, 15:41, closed)