BBC Sport Blog using the phrase 'Throwing a Paddy'

https://www.irishcentral.com/news/bbc-throwing-a-paddy

Mod - I've split this thread out of an existing 12 year old thread. This topic is in the news today so I think a new thread is best

There's plenty of things people used to say that are considered ignorant/racist/prejudice in modern times. Usually because that's exactly what they are by modern standards.

It's from back when the Brits were coming in and snatching up your land or raping your newly wedded wife.

Throwing an auld paddy would make sense under those circumstances I reckon.

It's a now archaic expression and I don't know how, or why, they dragged it up. It was always considered offensive and still is today. The old excuse that they always said it doesn't negate it's origin nor it's offense.

What does "throwing a paddy" mean?

Cambridge Dictionary defines "paddy" as an old-fashioned, informal UK term meaning "a very angry state." The dictionary notes that "paddy" is "an offensive word for an Irish person."

You do realise that Irish (for that is what most are taking "Paddy" to mean) is not a race, it's a nationality. Still pretty demeaning in the modern day, mind.

I have heard it used. Almost certain it is in reference to the Irish. A bit like the 'a bit Irish' as in stupid, daft or silly. Funny enough I heard the 'a bit Irish' phrase used by Irish people in Dublin!

too right

I drove my Sarsen through your garden last night... sing up the RA

Hey Grace, out of curiousity, if I started a sentence by saying "Eenie, meenie, money, moe..." how would you finish it?

I know the finish of that one! Not used anymore but I remember when it wasn't racist (didn't know what it meant at the time)

I was too young to understand the word. Thought it might be some type of creature or something. I think it was changed to weasel at some point.