A Plastic Paddy is someone who claims to be Irish but never actually been to Ireland. Usually these people have a overly romantic view of Ireland. They are surprised when they go to Ireland and discover modern conveniences like shopping centres and WiFi.
They'll often try to claim to be related to a famous Irish king like Brian Boru as if it's something unique even though Brian Boru could potentially have over a million descendants.
They may ask Irish people abroad do they know "Thomas from Cork, or Mary from Kilkenny", as if Ireland is one giant village where everyone knows each other on a first name basis.
They call the Irish language "Gaelic" and often have misspelled tattoos in "Gaelic". It's not uncommon for plastic paddies to mistake elements of Scottish culture with Irish culture such as the wearing of kilts. Calling yourself "Irish" when you have only a modicum of Irish heritage may be way trying to justify your alcoholicism or enhancing your chances of becoming US president.
They'll often try to claim to be related to a famous Irish king like Brian Boru as if it's something unique even though Brian Boru could potentially have over a million descendants.
They may ask Irish people abroad do they know "Thomas from Cork, or Mary from Kilkenny", as if Ireland is one giant village where everyone knows each other on a first name basis.
They call the Irish language "Gaelic" and often have misspelled tattoos in "Gaelic". It's not uncommon for plastic paddies to mistake elements of Scottish culture with Irish culture such as the wearing of kilts. Calling yourself "Irish" when you have only a modicum of Irish heritage may be way trying to justify your alcoholicism or enhancing your chances of becoming US president.
"That guy is such a plastic paddy, he kept talking to me about his families kilt pattern and I hadn't a fucking clue what he was talking about"
by IMLOOKINGINYOURDOOR October 13, 2021
The term refers to male individuals born outside of Ireland who claim Irish heritage and proudly display stereo typical clothing and accessories while speaking naïvely or ignorantly about Ireland.
After removing his wool sweater and tweed scaly cap, Plastic Paddy displayed his shamrock tattoo and claddagh ring as he proceeds to say, “I’m a 100% Irish, my grandmother is from county Kilarney.”
by JJ Smith February 8, 2008
A person who retains a strong sense of Irish cultural identity despite not having been born in Ireland or being of only partial (if any) Irish descent; generally used in referance to Irish-English or Irish-Americans. Percieved as irritating poseurs by Irish nationals.
by SullySullivan December 26, 2005
People from countries other than Ireland who claim to Irish even though its really just their great great great great great great great great nan was. They then make account names like "sxc irish gurl" even though they're purely american. for example.
by Egotistic February 24, 2006
Noun: Term of abuse for someone who feigns being Irish when convenient. E.g. An entirely British person who in 1994, on realising that England had not made it to the soccer World Cup, had no one to cheer for and found green blood in their veins for as long as Republic of Ireland were still in with a chance.
What happened to your England shirt, you plastic paddy?
No, I'm Irish. Honest.
On which side?
Err... both. My Mum's cousin's got an Irish setter and my Dad was conceived in the County Kilburn. Guinness spritzer with a dash of Baileys please barman, cheers. Bejazus!
No, I'm Irish. Honest.
On which side?
Err... both. My Mum's cousin's got an Irish setter and my Dad was conceived in the County Kilburn. Guinness spritzer with a dash of Baileys please barman, cheers. Bejazus!
by McCririck's unlucky Laundress September 12, 2005
The descendants of the Irish who emigrated to the United States and raised over 6 million dollars for the Irish so that they could fight the Anglo-Irish war and establish the Irish Free State. Their families and grandchildren are made fun of for claiming kinship by the people of the Irish Republic who don't acknowledge the help they received from Irish-Americans, both politically and otherwise.
The Irish today would call the grandchildren of John Devoy, (a convicted Fenian deported in 1871 to America, where he enjoyed a long, dedicated life as a journalist, publisher, political leader, and gun runner for Irish independence )plastic paddys.
by GingerNYC April 1, 2008
Diaspora Irish (American Irish) like De Valera who fought to make Ireland free both in Europe and North America, and was thrown in prison, wrote the Irish constitution, served several terms as head of government and head of state in the Irish Republic, and was heavily involved in the Gaelic Revival that helped save the Irish language. Also like others who funded millions of dollars to the Irish and gave their lives fighting in the IRA during 'The Troubles.' Those who continue today to support politically and financially Ireland and many of its political parties. American Fenians and Diaspora Irish patriots, you know... "fake Irish" from whom we have absolutely nothing to be thankful for and no solidarity with.
by Boyo85 December 17, 2009