What does Peaky Blinders mean and is a BBC series based on a true story? – US Sun

PEAKY Blinders has undeniably become one of the country’s most beloved TV shows.

The show’s creators were inspired by real events. But what does ‘Peaky Blinders’ mean? Find out below…

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Are Peaky Blinders real?

In short – yes.

They were a criminal gang based in Birmingham in the late 19th century.

They were one of many urban youth gangs of the era.

There is much debate about whether the Peaky Blinders are an individual gang or a term used to refer to a number of violent youths.

Philip Gooderson, author of The Gangs of Birmingham, says that the Peaky Blinders originated as a gang but the term later became generic.

Peaky Blinders has a distinct sense of style and wears a cap.

Their girlfriends are also said to have worn the uniform.

Their attire consists of pearls, a large tassel and a silk scarf covering their necks.

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What does Peaky Blinders mean?

The term Peaky Blinders derives from the name of the Birmingham-based gang.

Their name is said to come from a custom in which gang members would sew razor blades to the tops of their flat hats.

When fighting, they could simply use their hats to slash their enemies’ faces, eyes, and foreheads.

We see the gang doing this often in the fight scenes of the TV series.

Does the group wear razors?

Professor Carl Chinn, a historian from Birmingham, thinks this is unrealistic.

The Peaky Blinders gang actually dates back to the 1890s, but historians have pointed out that disposable razor blades were invented in 1903, making it impossible for the original gang to hide them in their hats.

He believes it most likely comes from the fact that the peaks are very hard and could have temporarily blinded someone if they were stabbed in the head by another person wearing a cap.

The Birmingham Mail pointed out that ‘Blinder’ was once common Birmingham slang for a well-dressed man, so it seems that this is the true meaning of the term.

Is there a real Thomas Shelby?

Professor Chinn said there is no real Thomas Shelby – Cillian Murphy’s character.

None of the names of people previously reported to have been during Peaky Blinders’ heyday actually have Shelby as their last name.

Many of the members are very young and don’t seem to really inspire this character, except for the style.

However, Billy Kimber, a character from the first season of the show, is the name of a real gangster from Birmingham.