Meaning
From a poor or rough part, low-class.
Origin
From 19th-century America, tied to railroads; tracks split rich and poor, slang by 1890s for low. A 1896 'New York Times' uses it for a slum.
Variants
- Wrong side
Usage Examples
- He's from the wrong side of the tracks; tough life.
- Wrong side of the tracks; she made it.
- On the wrong side; rough start.