With St. Patrick’s Day right around the corner, I feel it’s important that we have a teaching moment. When I celebrated my first St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin, Michael’s friends made sure I learned this one, very important rule.
It’s Paddy, not Patty. Ever.
And even the pronunciation, in addition to the spelling, matters a great deal. I was made to practice several times before they approved and handed over my half pint of Guinness! I’m sure I made the mistake every year for twenty-four years until I moved to Dublin – it’s an easy mistake to make when you’re living in America. But now it’s time to pass on the knowledge to you.
This ever-helpful website devoted to the cause explains, “Paddy is derived from the Irish, Pádraig, hence those mysterious, emerald double-Ds. Patty is the diminutive of Patricia, or a burger, and just not something you call a fella.”
And for good measure, a little helpful info on shamrocks and sobering facts about real Irish car bombs.
Now you’re all ready to celebrate our lovely holiday!
Welcome! I'm Emily, the face behind From China Village. This is where I get to share my adventures in Dublin, in my {teensy} kitchen and around my home. And I share all my clever, cosy and creative finds from around the web. Thanks for visiting!
Such a a great and important post! I once studied abroad in Ireland and learned quickly that even though they speak English, there’s still a lot of differences in the culture especially in the language. For example, we were taught to stay away from “rounds” in a pub and to never say “can I get a ride?”. I’m still working on saying “slainte” the correct way, it all takes practice!
You’re so right, Shannon! I still have a hard time going to the bank and not saying deposit instead of lodge, or saying petrol instead of gas. Seems like every day, even after 4 years, I’m still learning new slang too!