Re: Gangs

But when did the word "gang" here first imply violence?

Yes, I know plenty of the above were violent but that wasn't the question, was it?

Re: Gangs

It was always harder leaving a Gang than joining.

Re: Gangs

Back int 50`s n 60`s, we used to link arms in the playground and shout "do you wanna be in our gang" to garner members.

Re: Gangs

For me the word "gang" implies a criminal element. So, in the 60's The Krays and the Richardsons were gangs, but mods, rockers and Teddy Boys were not. Today's "postcode gangs" are closely involved with the selling of drugs within their area. Gangs tend to be fairly local, whereas Mods, Rockers etc were more of a national, subcultural phenomenon.

Re: Gangs

Hey weren't the MODS driving around on SCOOTERS,all decked out with Mirror's and horns and crap.I would think it's hard to look tough while riding a scooter,it just doesn't say HARD,Tough,Watch out I'm Dangerous.More along the lines,of Economical,and WEEEEEEEE.

Re: Gangs

Yes, to ride one needs a good Wrist Action.

Re: Gangs

I was a mod Dragon, but I hated scooters so I wore my Parka on my BSA 650cc Gold Star - loved that bike! (The bike in the photo isn't my actual bike - that went to the great scrapyard in the sky many moons ago!)

Re: Gangs

Gangs are all part of human and animal behaviour, Monkey’s hang around in gangs too, as do Elephants and Tigers, packs is another word for a gang but never used when referring to humans. When we become mature adults we all join various other gangs, although they would never dream of calling themselves a gang they are gangs none the less, labour party supporters, Tory supporters, Man United supporters, save the Whale supporters, Charity gangs, etc., all gangs with their own favourites, leaders and their own rules, you are a one man gang until you get married then you become a two person gang and eventually a family gang, yes Spitty the whole world is made up of gangs, chain gangs, the gang of four, gangs of workers, the crazy gang, ging gang goolie goolie wash wash gangs, all fighting for supremacy. You just can’t get away from gangs.

Re: Gangs

I suppose we had groups,not sure they were `gangs` though. Some thought us `posh` just because we passed the 11+. They tried to fight us a couple of times but gym,cross country running and rugger---------??? they never had a prayer. Halcyon days

Re: Gangs

There were definitely groups of children who called themselves gangs or were recognised as such but they weren't seriously violent or criminal.

At some point and I'm still trying to work out when the word started to imply serious violence.