The phrase originated from the old English nursery rhyme, "This old man". Nick nack or "knick knack" refers to the sound produced when playing the bones, as a musical instrument that later evolved into using metal spoons held loosely between the finger and stroked across a board, a shoe or most commonly the fingers of the opposite hand.
Each verse refers to the common practice in Ireland of of after a feast of lamb or swine, taking the rib bones and fashioning them into a musical instrument, using it as a rhythmic instrument of an impromptu band that might also include a lute and singers.
Paddywhack has several meaning and it is unclear which meaning the nursery rhyme intended. One definition is the tough elastic ligament found in many four legged animals such as a lamb that holds the head up. It was often eaten but is tough and may have been fed to the farm dog and referred to as as a bone. I tend to think it was referring to this definition and think the entire line in the nursery rhyme means that after playing the bones and singing songs after the meal, that the bones and paddywhack was given to the family dog to eat.
Each verse refers to the common practice in Ireland of of after a feast of lamb or swine, taking the rib bones and fashioning them into a musical instrument, using it as a rhythmic instrument of an impromptu band that might also include a lute and singers.
Paddywhack has several meaning and it is unclear which meaning the nursery rhyme intended. One definition is the tough elastic ligament found in many four legged animals such as a lamb that holds the head up. It was often eaten but is tough and may have been fed to the farm dog and referred to as as a bone. I tend to think it was referring to this definition and think the entire line in the nursery rhyme means that after playing the bones and singing songs after the meal, that the bones and paddywhack was given to the family dog to eat.
nick nack paddy wack
This old man, he played one,
He played knick-knack on my thumb;
With a knick-knack paddywhack,
Give the dog a bone,
This old man came rolling home.
This old man, he played two,
He played knick-knack on my shoe;
With a knick-knack paddywhack,
Give the dog a bone,
This old man came rolling home.
This old man, he played three,
He played knick-knack on my knee;
With a knick-knack paddywhack,
Give the dog a bone,
This old man came rolling home.
This old man, he played four,
He played knick-knack on my door;
With a knick-knack paddywhack,
Give the dog a bone,
This old man came rolling home.
This old man, he played five,
He played knick-knack on my hive;
With a knick-knack paddywhack,
Give the dog a bone,
This old man came rolling home.
This old man, he played one,
He played knick-knack on my thumb;
With a knick-knack paddywhack,
Give the dog a bone,
This old man came rolling home.
This old man, he played two,
He played knick-knack on my shoe;
With a knick-knack paddywhack,
Give the dog a bone,
This old man came rolling home.
This old man, he played three,
He played knick-knack on my knee;
With a knick-knack paddywhack,
Give the dog a bone,
This old man came rolling home.
This old man, he played four,
He played knick-knack on my door;
With a knick-knack paddywhack,
Give the dog a bone,
This old man came rolling home.
This old man, he played five,
He played knick-knack on my hive;
With a knick-knack paddywhack,
Give the dog a bone,
This old man came rolling home.
by HoPpeR1492 April 5, 2016
Get the nick nack paddy wack mug.a really bad gay porn show where the main character (Paddy) has sex with his daddy. the show has been filmed in one day and sometimes there are special guest called honey. some times the uncle joins in on the fun. it is a kids show and should be watched by all ages. Make sure you watch the show there is a new episode every week. HAVE FUN :)
by mesgrez April 3, 2020
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paddyg
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by Conyabondman213 May 4, 2020
Get the Paddyman mug.by templegate March 3, 2023
Get the paddy boot mug.1. Shortened name for Patrick.
2. Inoffensive name for an Irishman.
3. Offensive name for an Irishman.
4. A tantrum or 'wobbler'.
2. Inoffensive name for an Irishman.
3. Offensive name for an Irishman.
4. A tantrum or 'wobbler'.
1. March the 17th is St Paddy's Day.
2. I'm proud to be a Paddy.
3. You fucking bog-pig Irish Paddy.
4. My wife caught me in bed with her mum, twin sisters and pet goat. Jesus did she throw a paddy. Her bedsheets were ruined.
2. I'm proud to be a Paddy.
3. You fucking bog-pig Irish Paddy.
4. My wife caught me in bed with her mum, twin sisters and pet goat. Jesus did she throw a paddy. Her bedsheets were ruined.
by The Strut October 12, 2004
Get the paddy mug.British political leader from the Liberal Democratic party otherwise known as "Paddy Pantsdown", notable for once serving as a M16 spy and banging a mistress in 9.5 seconds.
by Pantsdown May 16, 2010
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