Chav

I met a Brit recently, with whom I was discussing what is considered as "trashy" culture and behavior in the U.S. He then told me about the British version of that concept, which is "Chav."

There's a popular site in the UK called ChavScum, which is "A user’s guide to Britain’s new ruling class." It welcomes the visitor by saying: "Chavs, Neds, Townies, Kevs, Charvers, Steeks, Spides, Bazzas, Yarcos, Ratboys, Kappa Slappers, Skangers, Scutters, Janners, Stigs, Scallies, Hood Rats, whatever you know them as, this site is about them, Britain’s peasant underclass that are taking over our towns and cities!"

They teach you How to spot a Chav: "Now what makes the Chavs' attire so funny is that they think they are at the cutting edge of fashion and that by adorning their body with hunks of worthless 9ct gold crap they look rich! In reality what they do look like are a bunch of...pikeys!" I don't know what a "pikey" is, by the way, but I'd guess it means "idiot" or "dope."

They also list Celebrity Chavs: "Have you heard the phrase, 'you'll never go broke appealing to the lowest common denominator'? This is why a lot of celebrities try and appeal to the Chav population and to that they naturally act like rich Chavs would! There are a core of entertainers who were Chavs before they became famous and have stayed dirty filthy Chavs."

If you're British, then this is probably old news. But if you're not, you should check out the site--it's hilarious and informative, and would make a good addition to your ever-growing international English vocabulary.