patsy
American slang for a gullible and weak-minded person. A patsy is a fool, usually a person that has good intentions but is deceived easily. The term originated when Irish immigrants came over to the USA, during the potato famine in the 19th century. (i.e. patsy = St. Patrick) and loads of Irish people entering the working class, were easily gullible and duped by Americans crooks/fraudsters when they settled there. Another term that isn't used very much and is more rare is, "paddy". Americans were mostly Protestants too, so calling Irish people patsy was more insulting of their Catholicism than their actual ethnicity.
It is no longer derogatory against just Irish people or religion in the USA, and is now usually used in modern society by American dads to scold their sons. It's almost like saying "Don't be a gullible pussy".
It is no longer derogatory against just Irish people or religion in the USA, and is now usually used in modern society by American dads to scold their sons. It's almost like saying "Don't be a gullible pussy".
Snake Oil Sellsman: hahahaha! Those damned patsy's were duped again by our quack cures, and making us richer. It's a good thing they decided to come here, trying to take the easy way out, instead of staying in Ireland.
patsy by Charmouche October 1, 2016
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