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!
2 Comments
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!