Faq

What is a Rudy, Rude Boy, or Rude Girl?

Rudy is synonymous with Rude Boy and Rude Girl. Of course the only difference is in the sex. Melody Maker described a Rude Boy as a "sort of cool super-hooligan," where 'rude' in Jamaican usage means wild, violent, or reckless. Rude Boys were a product of the mean streets of Shanty Town, as described in Desmond Dekker's "007(Shanty Town)" (1967), "Rude Boy Train" (1968), and a host of other Dekker releases. Shanty Town refers to Dekker's home, the overcrowded slums of West Kingston, Jamaica. The area was plagued with unemployment, tension, and violence. An Associated Press story noted that it contained "ramshackle dwellings, the majority of them made of cardboard, plywood, corrugated metal or some other discarded material. "Dekker: "Them a loot/ Them a shoot/ Them a wail/ At Shanty Town/ When rude boy deh'pon probation/ Then rude boy a bomd up the town. "Harry Young of Lightning Strikes (The Lou Christie Newsletter) states:

Due to very repressive police policies, only a few "rudies" actually went around looting and shooting. But every teenage male in Trench Town adopted the rude attitude and dress, especially a jaunty cap. In the popular culture, "Rudy" became an outlaw hero figure, like Jesse James, Billy The Kid, or even James Bond.

During the '50s and '60s many Jamaicans and other West Indies immigrated to the UK. In addition to the Mod (see: What is Mod?) influence, Skinheads adopted the Rude Boy music (see: What is Ska music?), though street-level attitude and various aspects of their fashion. These days Rude Boys can be typically identified wearing a dark suit, thin black tie, and pork-pie hat. Rude Girls appear to have more freedom in their fashion.

Brian Poust describes the Rude Girl look:

The norm seems to be either the Fred Perry, short skirt (dark colour or plaid is common), ankle socks and loafers look (fishnets and 3 button jacket optional) all the usual skinhead girl out on the town look, or the A line dress, usually two tone in colour it seems with nice low heel shoes. Hair seems to range from the Chelsea to a bob, sasoon style, or for longer hair, a flip (which works well with the A line dress). If you can find Mondrian patterned dress, you'll win the heart of every guy in the room!
These are pretty much the recognizable looks, but be creative! Don't fall for the checkerboard myth. It's not as cool as everyone thinks. There are more colors, in the spectrum than black and white and if I never see a short plaid skirt again in my life, I'll die a happy man. Pleats are right out, and don't underestimate a well fitting double breasted car coat for the colder weather coming up. Flights are functional, but the skinhead crowd more than supplies an ample number of those at shows. Parkers are warm, but most girls I've seen wearing them end up looking like they've raided dad's closet.
Experiment, find something that looks smart that everyone else isn't necessarily wearing. If you've got the flip thing going on, try a scarf a la " That Girl" Marlo Thomas every once in a while, it works!