What is the logic reason why people are calling Saint Patrick, St Patty?

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slipstreamer

It's generally shortened to St. Pattie's which is the male nickname for someone named Pat. Patty is the girl version. Some people use them interchangeably which I don't understand myself. Just misinterpretation I guess. Often it is bars hoping to sell beer that do that.

It's true that Irish-Americans generally do not use the word paddy if they have been born or raised in the US. Paddy is/was a slur in the US, similar to dropping the N word on a person of African descent. It isn't as offensive these days as it used to be, but traditionally calling someone a paddy or a m*ck was a good way to start a very serious fight a generation ago. The different immigrant groups all had different slur words for each other. Calling someone a paddy in the US was a good way to lose some teeth basically.Unless you have an Irish accent it's best to not use it.

The Irish immigrants were seen as criminal scum, less than human and always violent and drunk. That is why the truck that transported criminals to jail was nicknamed a "paddy wagon". Not very flattering is it? Do a search on "paddy" and "slur" and see what comes up.

So Irish Americans generally didn't accept that word, unless it came from an Irish person new to America. Generally Americans shorten names as a sign of affection - it isn't laziness, just openness and familiarity. Aussies do the same thing. Both cultures are very informal. So, that's why St. Pat's or Pattys.

Different country, different traditions.

mini-muffin

In Ireland we shorten Patrick (or Padraig, the Gaelic version) to Paddy. It is a very common name, hence why it has become an insult in some other cultures. In Ireland March 17th is generally know as 'Paddy's Day'. St. Patrick's Day is quite formal.

I don't really know why it is shortened to Patty in the U.S. I assume it has to do with a mix up about how/why the name is shortened to Paddy.

Soul Jacker

Maybe the Americans can't pronounce their 'd's and don't want the world to know? I know I have trouble with my t's

I think the PC xmas reason's probably the right answer (but I can't confirm it). Sadly the PC cops who inflicted patty on us kinda missed the point.. Sighs

nikki!! (ex-anti jonas)

hes not called patty !

its paddy!

gah it really annoys me when people from different countries call him st patty

when its paddy

Jacob H

its a nickname like mine matty :D

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