An insulting word for someone, usually a young person, whose way of dressing, speaking, and behaving is thought to show their lack of education and low social class. Quote from a dictionary (Cambridge) - first one I googled!
My Definition of this would be the one's who have a hard upbringing, maybe on benefits, and have just continued to exist in the same manner. I would not class anyone in regular employment as a "Chav".
I would not class the "homeless" beggars in town similarly. They may sit and ask for "small change" on the streets, but their apparent plight confuses me as I am unsure if they are really homeless, or just making extra income from unsuspecting persons thinking they are helping someone in distress, or should I say, apparent distress.Some may be genuine - some not.
I saw an entertaining moment in town today which was near the Crooked spire which was initially friendly and ended up in shouts of "Peadophile" at a bloke by a toothless twenty something with plasters on the front and back of his head, who then proceeded to attempt to dance in front of everyone.
The "Chav" I don't like is the one walking along with his hands down his trackie bottoms cupping his genitals. Now you wouldn't want to skake his hand for any reason would you