Peaky Blinder

Peaky Blinders

1. Alternative form of peaky blinder (“gang member”)
   • 1899, The Central Literary Magazine - Volume 14, page 72:

     In our suburban retreats, less disturbed by Peaky pranks, though now and again hedges, fences, and flower beds testify to a visit, we are too apt to think it is no concern of ours, or to assert that, as regards Peaky Blinders at any rate, " I am not my brother's keeper".

   • 1989, David M. Downes, Crime and the City: Essays in Memory of John Barron Mays, page 26:

     In other cities similar gangs were known by different names. In Birmingham they were called “Peaky Blinders' or 'Sloggers', while in Manchester and Salford they were known and feared as 'Scuttlers' and later as 'Ikes' or 'Ikey Lads'.