07-25-2008, 08:47 AM
Jon and Glen,
You are both right and both wrong. In a milder sense, it's kind or like the "N" word. When referring to yourself or friends or family it's ok and sometimes a badge of honor. When used by someone who does not consider themselves a cracker it is often an insult. My understanding is that it originally referred to a very poor rural (farmer) white person who lived a very meager existence(cracked corn) and was uneducated. A large percentage were/are of Celtic heritage, myself included. (Half Scotch with a touch or Irish and easily traced to Scotland. The other half is either Irish or English. I'm not sure on the latter half as it can only be traced back to N.C. and it can be an Irish or English name. There is some red hair on that side too.) Back to the hijacked topic. Being called a cracker by someone that isn't, generally means they are calling you poor, ignorant and uneducated. If you are a Southerner and call yourself a Cracker, you are claiming that you are Southern, rural and proud of it. It can also refer to early Florida or Georgia cattlemen who were known for their whips which they would crack. Bottom line. If you call me a Cracker, you best be one or have a big open friendly smile on your face while doing it, showing that there was no ill will intended.
Pua`a
S. FL
Big Islander to be.
You are both right and both wrong. In a milder sense, it's kind or like the "N" word. When referring to yourself or friends or family it's ok and sometimes a badge of honor. When used by someone who does not consider themselves a cracker it is often an insult. My understanding is that it originally referred to a very poor rural (farmer) white person who lived a very meager existence(cracked corn) and was uneducated. A large percentage were/are of Celtic heritage, myself included. (Half Scotch with a touch or Irish and easily traced to Scotland. The other half is either Irish or English. I'm not sure on the latter half as it can only be traced back to N.C. and it can be an Irish or English name. There is some red hair on that side too.) Back to the hijacked topic. Being called a cracker by someone that isn't, generally means they are calling you poor, ignorant and uneducated. If you are a Southerner and call yourself a Cracker, you are claiming that you are Southern, rural and proud of it. It can also refer to early Florida or Georgia cattlemen who were known for their whips which they would crack. Bottom line. If you call me a Cracker, you best be one or have a big open friendly smile on your face while doing it, showing that there was no ill will intended.
Pua`a
S. FL
Big Islander to be.
Pua`a
S. FL
Big Islander to be.
S. FL
Big Islander to be.