paddy's law 

"A well-known rule that any reddit thread that becomes large enough will eventually have an American pretending to be Irish." -u/MacHaggis

Americans often like to identify themselves as the nationality of their ancestors despite not having that nationality themselves. They'll claim to be Irish on forums like Reddit, where you expect someone saying they're Irish to be from Ireland.

While interacting with people actually from Ireland, they still claim to be Irish despite having no connection to the country. Usually they cite culture and bloodlines as the justification.

"I'm Irish, which is why I've always wanted to visit Ireland. My great-great grandmother was from Ireland, so I'm both culturally and genetically Irish. I grew up hearing all about Ireland because it's my family's homeland. I've never heard of 'The Troubles' though, is that a new band?"

"As an actual Irish person, you're not Irish, you're American. Paddy's law strikes in every goddamn thread."

paddy's law by Toujourspurpadfoot April 21, 2018

Paddy's First Law 

Paddy's first law states that regardless of the situation, or your own perceived cunning and or guile, you are always more transparent than you think you are.

PR: Hey, did you see the crest on that girl's binder? I'm not sure if she's in undergrad, and if she is, man would i like to kick her out of the law library. I tried to read it, but couldn't make it out!

MH: Yeah, everyone saw you looking man, and I'm pretty sure we all heard you muttering to yourself about undergrads in the law library...

PR + MH: Paddy's first law!

Paddy's First Law by mhamata March 25, 2010