AIBU to be slightly miffed that "throwing a paddy" refers to Irish people ?

[scuzy]

If having a paddy meant being drunk, i'd understand. but to associate it with having a tantrum when of recent years at footballs games, riots etc its the english that are the ones more deserving of this title.

not sure what it would be called then.

any suggestions? having a ....????

[SoupDreggon]

Anyhow, I"m just going to click "hide"and let you bleat on.

[scuzy]

perfect solution for us all SoupDreggon.

[lolaflores]

soupdreggon is it the fact you don't like being disagreed with that makes you so belligerent? Or is it a perceived insult to your nationality? As Scuzy feels about throwing a paddy. could we perhaps be on the same page here?
Just a thought

[CrystalMaize]

Well said Scarlet!

[doctordwt]

I don't think anyone really knows where this expression comes from. No-one I've known to use it thinks it's a reference to the Irish though I know that's a common 'interpretation'.

I'm from Wales: the Welsh word for 'to sulk' is 'pwdu', pronounced 'poodoo'. 'Having a pwdi' is a common saying in Wales even if you don't speak Welsh. Before moving to England, I'd have probably equated the two terms in my head.

[snapsnap]

Its a phrase never used in Ireland.

The relationship between the UK and Ireland has been tricky for so long but is certainly mellowing. I encoutered a lot of subtle but still there anti Irish digs when I lived in the UK though

[AgentProvocateur]

I've never heard it said either. Only read it on here. I am in Scotland

[redlac]

Agree with Agent - its not widely used in Scotland

[lolaflores]

Interesting though, that it is not used in Scotland that much? A heavy presence of Irish folk perhaps? A general lack of antipathy towards the Irish? Catholic and Protestant sectarianism aside.

[mummytime]

Well in my experience it's not something I've heard for years, no then having a paddy was only ever used to describe very small children having a temper tantrum.
I always thought that the fiery red head thing was a bit of a self fullfilling prophecy, as being talked down to and told you'd only got angry because of your hair colour would make anyone cross. Although my DD is just as cross about the blonde comments that are made towards her. (Notice it's only really women who have these hair colour stereotypes thrown at them.)

I don't like anti-English stereotypes either.

[Iambaboon]

Bugster, why aren't you worrying what 'nick nack' means?

Tis surely as nonsensical as paddywhack?

All a bit 'baa baa green sheep' innit

[Aboutlastnight]

i don't think the phrase ' having a paddy' is indicative if a huge amount of English antipathy toward the Irish. I haven't heard the phrase for years

Neither do I think the lack of this phrase in Scotland is indicative of greater tolerance of the Irish. It is far more complicated than that, especially inScotland.

[IAmBooyhoo]

i was on 2 threads a few weeks ago (on the same day for some reason) that the term 'having a paddy' was being used to describe having a tantrum (one was in the title and OP). one of the threads was deleted so obviously MNHQ felt it better not to allow it to stand.

a quick google shows that there is a theory that 'having a paddy' is a reference to the negative stereotype associated with irish people and bad tempers.

i am irish and i find that term offensive. regardless of whether the user knows the origin or not. so i think any decent person would refrain from using it if they knew that doing so might cause offence. anyone who would insist on using a phrase that they have been told could cause offense clearly enjoys being offensive. it is their choice to do so but others are entitled to inform them of teh offense they have caused.

[Iambaboon]

Fwiw, there's plenty of 'subtle digs' towards pretty much anyone, whether it's because they're from the next town, north / south, Ginger/ blonde/ tall / short / like football / rugby/ salt and vinegar crisps more than peanuts. Whatever

It's what people do, it's banter, a form of small talk. Something to fill the silence

[Iambaboon]

So what should we say if not 'having a paddy'?

I hate 'meltdown'

Seriously what can we call it when a small child becomes difficult and angry?

[HalfPastWine]

If the origin of a phrase cannot be determined how can one be offended by it?

[IAmBooyhoo]

really? really, you cant think of a suitable word for a tantrum? how about, er tantrum?

[Iambaboon]

A tantrum is mire severe though. That's a proper lie in the floor and howl. Whereas a paddy is just a bit if a grumble and whine isn't it?

[IAmBooyhoo]

no, a 'paddy' is a negative stereoptype associated with irish people.

[Iambaboon]

^ I'm not sure it is

[IAmBooyhoo]

i know.

[snowbellblues]

Iamboohoo, Yes it is. Or was - but not used in the same context anymore.

[lolaflores]

Is it fair to associate unreasonable anger using a word generally associatiate with being Irish? The word Paddy is usually a not very positive word to describe and irish person. It is not like baa baa green sheep, it is not a compliment, it describes unacceptable behaviour. Is that not clear this far through the thread yet?

[IAmBooyhoo]

what are you saying snowbell? that the word paddy had now changed to actually mean a tantrum?

i just dont get why someone (anyone) would insist on using a word that may be offensive just because they are not sure that it is for definite. why even use the word if you dont know what it means? what is wrong with saying "DD is being whiney today, she wont stop pouting and grumbling?" those are prefectly acceptable words that describe her behaviour and pose no risk of offending anyone. why would anyone have a problem using them? why must people cling on to phrases just because they have always used them? it isn't justifiable if you know that word might offend.