Hello Martha


The History of the term
As far as I know the term 'Pikeys' or 'Pikies' originates from the
18th/early 19th century and comes from the fact that back then Irish
'Travellers' or 'Gypsies' used to live on, and off of, the roads that
surrounded English towns and cities which were then known as turnpikes or
pikes.  Hence the people living on them became known as people of the pikes,
and later 'pikies'.


Who would use such a term?
Generally, if a working class person from London was referring to an Irish
Gypsy,  he/she would use the terms 'Gypsy' or 'Gypo'. However, if the same
person was referring to them in anger or recounting how they had been
cheated by them in some way, they would refer to them as a Pikie.  The term
was also used when I was a child as an insult to any one who dressed a bit
'trampy' or who smelt funny or who you just didn't like much.

The middle to upper classes, however, tend to stick to the much more
politically correct term of 'Traveller' and hence signs on the front of
English pubs that tells Irish Gypsies that they are not welcome normally
say: 'No Travellers'.


How common are Gypsy communities in England?
Today in London, where I live, you don't see many Gypsies. Though you should
realise that there is a big difference between the often Romanticised Romany
Gypsy and the Irish Gypsies depicted in Snatch.  When I was a kid, Irish
gypsies would often live in caravans parked on common ground and would
normally stay there until they were either moved own by the authorities or
forced out by the local community who quickly became fed up by the increase
in crime and litter which often accompanied there arrival.  To be honest, I
think these days many Gypsies who once travelled around the outskirts of
major Towns and cities have been rehoused by the government and so
integrated into the community.

Therefore, I would guess that the Gypsies depicted in Snatch are almost
certainly a dying breed.

I hope this explanation by an average Londoner helped you some.

Simon




To All,

             In the film Snatch, the British characters refer to Gypsies as
Pikeys (sp?).  Would anyone be willing to enlighten me about the history of
this term?  How far back does it go?  What's its derivation?  Who would use
such a term?  More:  how common are Gypsy communities in England?

             Thanks,
             Martha P. Nochimson