So what is a "Redneck"

You got the origin correct, but the slang definition is more like someone, generally from a rural area, with backwards ideas. It is a generally derogatory term although some areas have adopted it as a badge of pride.

Source: Urbandictionary.com

yes. I live in the center of the "redneck" universe.

Funny... according to your avatar, you have a red nose and not a red neck. Are you trying to pull our collective legs panzade?
Or are you there in an anthropological stance?

They call me a redneck 'cause when I take a load to the dump I come back with more than i left with.

And a sophisticated a2ker from Virginia has named his A2k fantasy football team the Rappin' Rednecks...

Don't let him fool you. He's been married 3 times and still has the same in-laws

Hey! I saw that.

luv ya johnny

<snort>

Setanta wrote rather testily on this subject at some point. I'll see if I can find a link.
Couldn't find the exact link, never mind.

No, _I_ DO!

Your neighbors are rednecks when they fly Rebel Flags from the beds of their pick-up trucks, or plaster said flags on the sides of their trailers.

They usually have a lot of untended dogs or other animals living in their yards, plus a lot of yard-junk... like old refrigerators and sofas, plus abandoned vehicles.

They make terrible neighbors, trust me on this. They make a lot of noise, possibly shouting "YEEHAW" at any time of day or night, and playing country music from their pick-up trucks at full volume at all hours.

I don't like them.

mr carlin's take, sorta...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5NaartjBEY

(and i resemble these remarks...)

Youll find several varying sources , each more believable than the last(if accuracy is important go read some label on a can of soda).

The North Carolina Covenanters of the Presbytyrian church wore red strips of cloth to show their dispkleasure with a church edict

The Mine Workers Union before the Blair MNountain Massacre in the 1920's also wore red kerchiefs around their neck.

No matter, its a derogatory term for a (usually) rural poor person with coarse manners. (LAter extended to mean racists also).

Rednecks like grits, moonpies, RC cola, Hemis, anything that Jeff Foxworthy says,Marlboros and NASCAR. Most will also fly the first CSA battle flag in the hole where their car antenna used to be .

Rednecks also like to show the world that they own several large kitchen appliances by keeping them in plain site on the porch.

I'm kind of surprised no one's mentioned Jeff Foxworthy yet.

They usually wear either cowboy hats or old sweat ridden baseball caps. To find a redneck without a hat is like finding a cowboy who doesn't wear boots.

Carlin, bless 'im

U said the "s" word.