Why is the name Paddy, slang (usually derogatory) term in British English for an Irish person. Can I call Irish people Paddy?
Why is the name Paddy derogatory for an Irish person ?
"Paddy" is slang for St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. Also, the horse-drawn wagon that used to be used to transport prisoners was called a 'paddy wagon', presumably because so many Irish were picked up by it for various 'crimes' against the state, mostly non payment of taxes and drunkenness. And, no, you can't (shouldn't) call Irish people Paddy.
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