Sunburn: One theory suggests that the term originated in the 18th century when farmers and laborers in the Southern United States would often work long hours in the hot sun, resulting in sunburned necks.
Copper mining: Another theory is that the term originated in the early 20th century among copper miners in Butte, Montana. It is said that the miners' necks would become red from the copper dust in the air.
Civil War: Some believe the term originated during the Civil War when Union soldiers would refer to Confederate soldiers as "rednecks" because of the red bandanas they wore around their necks.
However, it's important to note that the exact origin of the term is uncertain, and these are just a few of the proposed theories.