‘Peaky Blinders’s Name Might Not Be Based On A Tale Fans Have Come To Believe
Image via Netflix
The latest season of Peaky Blinders is finally on Netflix, and many fans have been busy binge-watching the historical British drama.
As viewers might be aware, the characters of Peaky Blinders were inspired by a real-life criminal gang in Britain during the 1900s.
There’s also a theory that the name “Peaky Blinders” was derived from the gang’s purported practice of sewing razorblades into their flat caps and using them as weapons to headbutt their nemeses or strike their enemies’ eyes, blurring their vision temporarily.
But this “origin story” might not be true after all.
The Birmingham Mail reported that the real-life gang started out in the 1890s, but replaceable razor blades were only invented in 1903 by the American Gillette company.
Even so, the razor blades were sold in America first before they were introduced to Britain in 1908.
Without the key weapon, it’s unlikely for the gang to blind their enemies with just their flat caps.
There is another explanation for the gang’s name, and that it could be based on slang words used in the era.
The term “Peaky” possibly refers to the popular flat cap worn by people then, as it had a small peak at the top. As for “blinder,” the report suggests it could have been used to refer to people who were dashing and well-dressed.
According to the BBC, the original gang members often wore stylish outfits to differentiate themselves from rivals. Their uniform included silk scarves, bell-bottomed trousers, and flat caps. They also donned tailored jackets, waist coats and put on lavish leather boots.
This probably means that the show’s name originated from the fact that the gang members were really fashionable.
If you need to refresh your memory, below is a recap on Peaky Blinders till season four.
[via POPSUGAR, images via Netflix]
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