Gopniks appeared relatively recently, in the USSR. It is believed that the name came from "gop-stop" - a forced stop in order to obtain someone else's property. Despite the fact that there are fewer and fewer real gopniks, you need to know how to talk to them correctly.
Gopniks should be distinguished from thieves or other members of the criminal world. If they immediately try to beat you without saying a word, then these are not gopniks. If your bag is stolen or your wallet is taken out, these are also not gopniks. Most often, their actions do not even have corpus delicti, since the victims themselves give away their phones or money. In the case when the police come to the rescue, they simply give the object and say phrases like “what didn't come up yourself?”.
As a rule, gopniks know perfectly well what to push and how to make the victim feel guilty and obligated. Moreover, they are obliged to follow certain rules or "concepts", therefore, they will do everything so that their actions are not considered wrong. You can take advantage of this if you understand a few basic rules. However, there are exceptions everywhere, so the text below will be devoted only to the "correct" gopniks.
General Tips
If you are a representative of the beautiful half of humanity, then you have every right to just ignore the gopniks and go on about your business. They can only stand in your way, but they simply have no right to grab or not let go. Then you just have to run or call for help. It is better for girls not to talk at all with these representatives of the criminal world. You can just say that you hurry to your husband and go about your business.
The stronger sex was less fortunate in this situation, since ignoring is considered disrespectful and "by definition" can be punished by force. Of course, if you have the opportunity, it is better to just run away, as gopniks rarely pursue their victims. But if they catch up with you, then the reckoning may be stronger. So try not to catch the eye of these representatives of the criminal world at all.
Specific Tips
Do not shake hands with gopniks. When they meet, they will definitely hold out their palm to you. So, "by concepts" you can not shake hands with a stranger if you do not know him. Thus, you show that the conversation has not begun and that they cannot "ask" you for unanswered questions. So say: "I don't know you."
In no case should you make excuses, since this is a direct path to your humiliation. Remember that they will be able to interpret any of your words in a way convenient for them. At worst, just "turn the fool" at best, ask counter questions.
Any attacks in the style of "who are you in life?" can be parried with the phrase "and for what purpose are you interested?". It is precisely "you are interested", not "you ask", otherwise you may be misunderstood. If the answer is “I'm interested in myself,” you can repeat that you don't know him.
Do not show your weaknesses, do not answer "uncomfortable questions". As soon as you feel that the gopniks are easing their attacks, then you can safely declare that you need to go. Don't say goodbye and answer the "where" or "why" questions.
Of course, there can be a great many situations. Most importantly, do not give a reason to seem spiritually weak. Remember that no one will hit you just like that and the thing will not take away, as this will be considered "lawlessness", which is severely punished in their circles.
