Is it true that 'Paddy' is actually an offensive nick-name for an Irish person?

Question

I mean is it offensive to call an Irish person Paddy in jocualr conversation or not? Thanks.

Answer 1

Well I wouldn't use it.  Some people find it offensive some don't, so why run the risk of upsetting someone?

Answer 2

I wouldn't call anybody that unless it is their name.

It has become offensive because it has been used offensively by the usual mono-brows.

To settle this once and for all...go to your local Irish club...walk in and say loudly..."Evening Paddies!"

Then get to casualty as best you can.

Answer 3

If its said to be offensive it is.  But in friendly terms it may be okay.  Depends really on the sense of humour of the person.

Answer 4

lol it's even more offensive to say when girl asks "what does my bum look like in this?"

Answer 5

i dont know so i would only use it if i knew that person for a long time and knew they didnt find it offensive.

Answer 6

Yes I find offensive, but the context I am usually inclined to take it in is, what would expect from a pig only a grunt.

PS No offense meant to the pig.

Answer 7

Jeez - it's the same about calling us Scots 'Jock'. It's said in jest and we don't find it offensive! Neither do the Irish. But this bloody PC brigade....

Answer 8

Yes it is, We can say it but others cant.

someone asked what do we call the english. The most offensive is a Tan, but they dont know we call them that, I have also heard "the hun" as being a word used but not as much as it used to be. I hate the word paddy wagon as well but i think that comes New york when the majority of cops were irish and the paddy waggon was the equivilant of the police car , a horse drawn waggon to put criminals into. but the word does not imply that. I think irish people dont mind being called paddy by the scots or welsh in a social setting as we can use jock and taffe.

Answer 9

I find it offensive. Much the same as calling us 'Micks' I find it racist.

Answer 10

An Irish person might find it offensive, it really depends on the context.

I knew an Irishman once and everyone called him paddy, though it wasn't his name. He was fine with it. It is a shortened version of Patrick, a common Irish name.

It's a bit like calling a Welsh person taffy or a Scot Jock.

What do they call the English?

Answer 11

i'd be offended but then i'm a girl so... if i liked you i would laugh if i didn't like you i'd use it as an excuse to punch you! Anything is offensive if you mean it to be, most Irish people are pretty laid back so i'd say most wouldn't be bothered

Answer 12

Not if their first name is really Patrick. If their first name is Patrick then to call them 'Paddy' would be fine, they will probably be used to that from school days.

Answer 13

Is it true that 'Paddy' is actually an offencive nick-name for an Irish person? Nah, not really. It is to a Muslim person though, apparently. I tried calling my teddy this once and the only people who complained, were a bunch of Muslims.

Answer 14

I'm Irish and would find it offensive from a stranger.

Its like all racist remarks, it is not what you say but your intent and how you say it.

Answer 15

depends on the way its said, Patrick is the full name, or some people would say "you are a thick paddy"

Answer 16

I don't believe most Irish people have a problem with the term Paddy, if it is used in the correct context. If it's used with the intention of being insulting then that's not OK.

My pet peeve is calling the police wagon "the Paddy Wagon" though, what's the implication? that the only crooks being put in it are Paddies??

Answer 17

Yeah......

Answer 18

It used to be, especially when said by an English person. But I refused to be offended by this, and would say 'hey thanks!' and even describe myself as a Paddy, which turned the offence intended towards me back to them.

Now we wear the nickname with pride. Well, I do anyway.

Answer 19

it depends on the individual i know one irish person who if you called him paddy would rip your head off and scream "my name is steve not paddy"

another i know if you called him paddy would just laugh and say somthing like "get stuffed you english git " with a big smile on his face

Answer 20

depends if it's to name your teddy bear & the teddy looks nothing like an irish person????

Answer 21

It depends on if you know that Irish person or not, and if they are easily offended. It's best not to walk around calling every Irishman you meet Paddy though, you'll probably end up with a broken nose.

Answer 22

Well i'm Irish and i wouldn't care if someone called me a Paddy..Just comes from St.Patrick-nickname of Patrick is Paddy so Irish people are called Paddies...Its not offensive at all..

Answer 23

no, paddy is a name in its own right as well as a pet name for Patrick.

ADDITIONAL:

I know a guy who goes by the name Paddy that's Irish and his real name is Miles.