Peaky Blinders: Unfolding the mystery behind the name of the infamous gang 

Steven Knight's period crime drama Peaky Blinders takes inspiration from an actual gang from Birmingham, England (going by the same name) that rose to the heights of notoriety during the late 19th century. The BBC series is an almost accurate adaptation of how the mobsters operated back in the day, with minor changes made in the story's timeline.

However, even three years after the hit Cillian Murphy show concluded, the ambiguity related to the name 'Peaky Blinders' is still the talk of town. Where that identity comes from remains a mystery to date. Is it just because the Peaky Blinders were a bunch of gangsters wearing flat hats with razor blades lined around the edges? Or is there a broader historical significance? Follow this article to learn more about it.

The mystery (and history) behind the name Peaky Blinders

As seen on the BBC crime drama, Small Heath, Birmingham is the kingdom of the Peaky Blinders, and it is the younger son of the Shelby clan, Thomas Shelby, who calls the shots around the place. The cutthroat gang engages in a variety of criminal activities with the only aim to establish the financial as well as societal stronghold of the Shelbies in and around a post-World War I England.

After having returned from war, Tommy, along with his brother Arthur and John, takes over the family business of bookmaking and expands it using other avenues with his sheer determination as well as a fearless approach. Not only does he use his business skills to multiply wealth, but also challenges rival gangs to create a local influence so that he can get things done and have the support when needed.

While Cillian Murphy's Tommy Shelby is often glorified for having outdone the original character in many ways, violence is one of the many dark shades of his arc, and it is also common to all three Shelby brothers. When it comes to protecting one of their own, they can go to any length - including making use of their razor-studded caps to slash their enemies (instances of which we have seen many times in the show).

Feared by their intimidating presence and ruthless aura, the locals started calling them Peaky Blinders - the term 'peaky' referring to the unique style of hats they used to wear and 'blinders' meaning someone who can blind their foes with their razor blades. While this theory totally establishes itself on creativity, the real story might have more to it.

Even though the Peaky Blinders were always involved in all sorts of shady activities, their sense of dressing was way ahead of its time. From going to gunfights to trading horses on the tracks, they always maintained proper attire - dark suits, well-combed hair, and polished shoes.

The show Peaky Blinders reiterates the same, perfectly portraying well-groomed and dressed gangsters - all of whom would not even blink or think twice before slicing the throats of their enemies. The peaked hat, over time, became a signature style of the Shelbies and they were always feared on the streets because they carried the most lethal weapon in a piece of their clothing.

Some sources have also claimed that from a historical point of view, the term 'blinder' often passes as slang among Birmingham locals referring to people who are always well-dressed. This theory further aligns with what we see in the show Peaky Blinders - but what might be the actual origin of the phrase?

To answer this, let's go back to 2013, when historian David Cross had reportedly talked about the name Peaky Blinders in a statement to BBC saying that back in the day the gangsters used to wear 'hats with razor blades'. He further mentioned a particular feature of the caps that could also be used as a striking weapon.

To quote his exact words:

"If you think of your grandfather's cap in those days, then t would have had a very hard peak. They used their hats with razor blades sewn in to rob people. That's what a Peaky Blinder was. When they hit someone or headbutted someone on the nose while wearing one, it would cause their victim temporary blindness."

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