Pikey's

[phylkat]

I've heard several references to the word 'PIKEY' lately. and I'm not sure what it means Is it an insult? Is it another word for Gypsy?
Can anyone help here.

Thnx pk

[raysparx1]

No it is not another word for a Gypsy, ( Pikie)
It was originally a word used for a Gypsy that had been expelled from the tribe, but now is used as an insult to gypsies I detest the word used just to describe a people because my family are from Gypsy stock.

[Quizmonster]

Despite Ray's family connection with genuine gypsies, the fact is that the word is applied to them...perhaps erroneously.
In past times, roads were sometimes called 'turnpikes'...they still often are in the USA. Consequently, a 'turnpiker' was someone who roamed along these roads, as a sort of traveller/vagabond. That in turn was abbreviated to 'piker', 'pikey' or 'piky', which has meant a wanderer of one sort or another since the mid-1800s.
Sadly, the once-neutral word now is used insultingly.

[raysparx1]

Thanks Quizmonster, I got my meaning of the word from my grandparents, had you heard of it in the context I mention?, hadn't thought of it in the context you placed it, but it obviously makes a lot of sense, thank you, Ray

[phylkat]

Thats so interesting what you said Quizmaster, evidently you've done some research which really I should have done.Thankyou it does make sense.

'raysparx1' Thankyou too for taking the trouble to answer, I hope I didn't offend you as clearly this is a sensative issue for you. If I hear the reference in a derogatory way in future I will put the user to rights.

pk.

[Quizmonster]

That's a bit odd! I posted another response yesterday evening pointing out that I had never heard the specific explanation you suggested, Ray. Today, it seems to have disappeared.

I'm Quizmonster, Phylkat. I mention it only because there is an AnswerBanker called Quizmaster.

[phylkat]

Sorreeee 'Quizmonster'' You know what I mean. I'll pay more attention next time,
"Slapped Legs"

pk

[raysparx1]

Hi Pk and Quizmonster, No problem pk, you were asking a reasonable question, it just annoys me when people use a word and they have no idea what it actually means, I was told this 50 odd years ago Quizmonster, by my Nan who who was a gypsy, she actually lived in a carvo (Caravan or wagon) and did dukkering (fortune telling) she would get very angry if this word was used wrongly and would fight with anybody who used it this way, how things have changed, eh, Thank you both once again, Ray

[Quizmonster]

Ray, I'm sure - given your background - that you will be familiar with George Borrow. Although not himself a gypsy, he was apparently fluent in their language as well as many others. Here's a quote from his Wordbook of the English Gypsy Language...
"Piker...the people called in Acts of Parliament sturdy beggars and vagrants, in the old cant language Abraham men and in the modern Pikers."
He doesn't appear to qualify the definition in the way your grandmother did. Perhaps her concept was one adhered to only by her particular family/clan or whatever?

[raysparx1]

Thanks Quizmonster, I am indeed aware of George Borrow, I did read his book "Wild Wales", and agree with what you write and maybe it is a Tribal thing, my family are from the London area mainly and my grandfather was also a gypsy who came from devon, Thank you once again, I envy the knowledge you have, Ray

So I should not feel as angry as I do really, when I hear that word. I will try to curb it.

[helpmetoo]

coming from kent the pikey epicentre i shall explain...

it isnt really used as an insult more of a description of a person,

generally they all have earrings but the girls have those hideous filligree gold efforts that you could seat a parrot on,
and could do with an occasional bath

a 'plastic pikey' is some council estate scrote walking around talking gibberish thinking hes hard

[lubecki161]

Where i come from its an insult ive only ever heard it used as an insult, along with chav...ect!