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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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

161 replies

scuzy · 11/04/2012 13:51

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 ....????

OP posts:
chipmonkey · 11/04/2012 23:16

I'm not Patrick and neither is my wife!

HalfPastWine · 11/04/2012 23:25

It's not offensive to anyone in my family nor any of my friends and so far, none of my customers have been offended. I think I'd be inclined to tell anyone who was offended to get a life.

Me too. Where do you draw the line.

So, do we now offend everyone called Mick/Mickey/Michael when we say 'take the mick/ mickey' which is basically saying 'take the piss'.

iklboo · 11/04/2012 23:34

Lots of etymology theories on 'take the mick' - many being it's an abbreviation of 'micturation' (urine) and is therefore 'take the piss'......apparently.

snowbellblues · 12/04/2012 09:02

boohoo, I have never ever used the exprssion 'having a paddy'. I don't like it either, seldom hear it used.

AngryBeaver · 12/04/2012 09:13

Had never considered the origins,but I say it...and my Irish Dh has never said anything,infact,I'm pretty sure he says it too

snapsnap · 12/04/2012 09:16

Funnily enough I never thought of the expression as being derogatory to Irish people or even referring to Irish people. You actually see much less aggression on Irish streets and no one does an indignant strop like the English! (lady in car park thread anyone)

Whatmeworry · 12/04/2012 09:35

So, from now on it's throwing a Pommie.

Now what's the word for the PA comments the Englush also do so well?

Frontpaw · 12/04/2012 09:37

I may throw a Geordie. Throwing a Glaswegian would be too much of a mouthful and potentially dangerous.

fedupofnamechanging · 12/04/2012 10:05

Pmsl Scuzy, at the complaining about racial stereotypes, while indulging in the use of them yourself.

oimoomoo · 12/04/2012 12:37

im Irish, use the term and do nt find it offensive. Living in Ireland until a few years ago and still go back to visit the term is also used over there, my dad who is Irish used it with me and i use it with my son.
Do not see it at rascist, and like everything someone is able to take offensive but racist is a bit of a harsh use. Especially when a lot of people on here say they are Irish and dont find it offensive.

My dad found me getting together with my partner in the British military offensive

Ilovecoffeeandchocolate · 12/04/2012 13:51

Even if the saying did refer to "drunken Irish people" it is not racist at all maybe slightly xenophobic but that is it. I am amazed how everyone tries to find something racist in so many sayings.

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