What “Roadmen” Are Called In Other European Countries

Map created by amazing__mapsThe map above shows what “Roadmen”, which Amazing Maps defines as: “A Teenager who dresses badly and goes around in groups and pretends to be in a gang and often does small acts of vandalism and public disturbance,” are called in other European countries.

How to say “ROADMEN” in different European countries:

• Belgium: Djaillas
• Bulgaria: Lokanli / Filmari
• Finland: Roudari
• France: Cailleras / Lacoste TN
• Germany: Straatratjes / Drerries
• Germany: Talahons
• Greece: Kagoures
• Italy: Maranza
• Latvia: Urliki
• Lithuania: Juoda-skiniai
• Moldova: Auesnici / Gobnici
• Netherlands: Straatratjes / Drerries
• North Macedonia: Ulichari / Kloshari
• Poland: Drillowcy / Naplety
• Portugal: Azeiteiro / Chunga / Mitra / Guna
• Romania: Bombardieri
• Russia: Gopnik / Ofnik
• Scotland: Ned
• Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina: Gaseri / Mangupi
• Slovenia: Gaserji
• Spain: Canis / MDLRs / Segarro
• Sweden: Orten Grabbar
• Turkey: Keko
• United Kingdom: Roadmen

Concept of “Roadman”:

A “Roadman” typically refers to a slang term originating from British English used to describe a young person (usually male) characterized by a specific street style and behavior.

Originally referring to someone involved in street crime or gang culture, the term has evolved and is commonly used today to refer more broadly to a young person who embodies a streetwise appearance, attitude, and speech patterns.

Often, a roadman wears distinctive clothing (tracksuits, hoodies, trainers, branded sportswear) and speaks using specific slang associated with urban youth culture.

This image humorously presents the various local equivalents or similar cultural stereotypes found across different European countries, each with its own unique style and name.

Are Roadmen the same as Chavs?

Not exactly, but they overlap in certain ways:

Differences between Roadmen and Chavs:

1. Origin and Usage:

• Roadmen:
  • Originated primarily in urban environments, especially inner-city London, and typically associated with youth street culture, influenced by grime and drill music.
  • Often related to street credibility, gangs, or urban youth subculture.
• Chavs:
  • British slang typically used more broadly to stereotype young working-class individuals displaying certain behaviour, attire, or attitudes considered anti-social or uncultured.
  • Often associated with lower socio-economic status, lack of education, and perceived poor taste.

2. Appearance and Style:

• Roadmen:
  • Often wear tracksuits (Nike, Adidas, North Face), hoodies, sneakers (Air Max or similar), small shoulder bags (“man bags”), and sometimes masks or balaclavas.
  • Style is closely tied to urban street fashion and rap/grime culture.
• Chavs:
  • Associated with flashy branded sportswear, Burberry caps, excessive jewellery, cheap tracksuits, and often exaggerated or loud styles.
  • Less tied to any particular music or gang culture.

3. Cultural Associations:

• Roadmen:
  • Linked strongly to urban music scenes (Grime, Drill, UK Rap).
  • Often carry a sense of toughness or street credibility.
• Chavs:
  • Associated with perceived negative stereotypes regarding education, taste, or behaviour.
  • Often viewed pejoratively by mainstream culture.

What do you think about them?