In Australia, someone with red hair is often called a “ranga”, short for “orangutan”. This nickname refers to the reddish-orange coloration of an orangutan’s fur, which is similar to red hair. The term “ranga” can be used in a neutral context, but is sometimes used in a derogatory way. Other slang terms for redheads in Australia include “bluey”, “carrot top”, “ginge” and “red”.
Why are redheads called “rangas” in Australia?
There are a few theories behind why redheads got the nickname “ranga” in Australia:
- Orangutan fur color – Orangutans have reddish-orange fur, similar to the color of red hair. “Ranga” comes from “orangutan”.
- Rarity – Red hair is relatively uncommon in Australia, occurring in about 2% of the population. The rarity may have led to nicknames.
- Teasing – Like in other countries, redheads in Australia have been subject to teasing and bullying. “Ranga” may have started as a taunting nickname.
- The sun – Australia has high UV exposure. Redheads’ fair skin burns easily in the sun, making their red hair color more noticeable.
The term seems to have originated in the early 1990s and caught on as popular slang throughout Australia. The commonality of the nickname across Australia suggests it arose independently in multiple regions.
What are some other Australian slang terms for redheads?
Here are some other common Australian slang words for people with red hair:
- “Bluey” – Refers to the fair skin and blue undertones sometimes associated with red hair.
- “Carrot top” – Likens the orange-red color of hair to that of a carrot.
- “Ginge” – Short for “ginger”.
- “Red” – A simple descriptor of having red hair.
- “Red rocket” – A more vulgar slang term, sometimes considered offensive. Refers to male genitalia.
- “Rudolf” – A reference to the reindeer Rudolf’s red nose.
There are also a variety of rhyming slang terms using “ginger” like “gingernut”, “gingerbeer”, “gingersnap” and “gingermeg”.
Is “ranga” considered offensive in Australia?
The term “ranga” is controversial in Australia. Some consider it an offensive pejorative, while others see it as a harmless and humorous nickname. In general:
- Used self-referentially or endearingly, it is usually fine, like other nicknames based on hair color.
- Used negatively or derogatorily, it can be very offensive.
- Many redheads find the term funny and accept it good-naturedly.
- Others find it hurtful, demeaning or derogatory, especially with bullying connotations.
Some organizations, like the Australian Human Rights Commission, have argued the term should be avoided in schools due to potential harassment. But it remains a widespread slang term across Aussie culture.
What are some other regional slang terms for redheads around the world?
Here are some colorful regional nicknames for redheads from around the world:
| Country/Region | Nicknames |
|---|---|
| Netherlands | “Rode kool” (Red cabbage) |
| Denmark | “Rødhåret” (Red haired) |
| Germany | “Rotkopf” (Red head) |
| Poland | “Rudzielec” (Reddish) |
| Russia | “Ryzhaya” (Reddish) |
| Scotland | “Ginger”, “Red lugs”, “Carrot top” |
| Ireland | “Rusty”, “Redser”, “Ginjin” |
| South Africa | “Rooikop” (Red head) |
| New Zealand | “Ginger nuts”, “Rangas” |
While some nicknames are more offensive than others, most derive from the distinctive red hair color. Many originate in childhood taunting, but become adopted endearingly within communities.
How common is red hair in Australia compared to other regions?
Red hair occurs as a genetic trait in 1-2% of the global population. But the percentage varies by region based on ancestry. Here are some estimates of red hair frequency:
- Australia – Approximately 2% of Australians have natural red hair.
- Northern/Western Europe – Red hair is most common here, especially in Scotland and Ireland where it exceeds 10% of the population.
- United States – 2-6% of Americans have some red tint to hair depending on ancestral background.
- Asia – Less than 1% of Asians have red hair. It is very rare.
- Africa – Red hair is extremely rare among native Africans and occurs in less than 1% of the population.
So in summary, red hair occurs in Australia about as frequently as the global average, but is much rarer than in parts of Western Europe with high ancestral concentrations of redheads. The relative rarity of redheads in Australia may contribute to the uniqueness of nicknames like “ranga”.
What genetic factors cause red hair?
Red hair arises from variants of a gene called MC1R that controls production of the dark pigment eumelanin. Redheads inherit two copies of MC1R variants from each parent leading to the following effects:
- Less eumelanin produced, so hair lacks as much black/brown pigment.
- Higher production of the red/yellow pigment pheomelanin.
- MC1R variants also affect skin and sun sensitivity.
The exact genetic determinants of hair color are complex. But in simple terms, mutations to MC1R lower the overall pigmentation of hair and skin. This leaves more visible the red tones created by pheomelanin.
Key Genetic Factors for Red Hair:
- Inheriting two copies of MC1R gene variants, one from each parent.
- Over 100 MC1R variants associated with red hair are known.
- The most common MC1R variants: D84E, R151C, R160W and D294H.
- Other genes like ASIP, OCA2, SLC24A4, TYR, TYRP1 also affect pheomelanin production.
In summary, specific inherited MC1R mutations reduce overall melanin production in favor of pheomelanin creating the phenotype of red hair.
What percentage of Australians have red hair?
Approximately 2% of the Australian population has natural red hair based on scientific surveys and reports. Some key statistics:
- A 2017 study found 1-2% of Australians have red hair with light skin and freckles.
- Extrapolating that percentage to Australia’s current population gives an estimate of 500,000-1,000,000 redheads.
- However, many more may carry recessive MC1R red hair gene variants without expressing them.
- Up to 10% of Australians are estimated to carry a red hair genetic variant.
- Red hair prevalence is higher in southern Australia at 3-4% compared to 1-2% in northern regions.
So while visible red hair occurs in around 2% of Australians, a larger percentage carry the genetic tendency. Visible prevalence aligns with global averages.
Red Hair Frequency in Australia by Region
| Region | Red Hair Percentage |
|---|---|
| Northern Territory | 1-2% |
| Queensland | 1-2% |
| New South Wales | 2-3% |
| Victoria | 3-4% |
| Tasmania | 3-4% |
| South Australia | 3-4% |
| Western Australia | 5-6% |
Conclusion
In summary, redheads make up around 2% of Australians and are commonly nicknamed “rangas” or other terms referencing their bright red hair color. The red hair trait arises from inherited genetic variants affecting melanin pigment production. While the “ranga” nickname can be controversial, many Aussies see it as good-natured rather than derogatory. So if you meet a redhead down under, don’t be surprised if you hear them called a “ranga”!