paddy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Neutral in agricultural/geographical contexts; informal and offensive in the ethnic slur sense.
Quick answer
What does “paddy” mean?
A flooded field where rice is grown.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A flooded field where rice is grown.
It can also refer to unhusked rice itself or, in British informal and offensive use, serve as a derogatory slang term for an Irishman. Historically, it also names a male given name (Patrick).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'paddy' is widely recognized as an offensive ethnic slur for an Irish person. In American English, this connotation is less common; the term is overwhelmingly associated with rice fields.
Connotations
UK: Highly offensive ethnic slur when referring to a person. US: Primarily agricultural, neutral/technical.
Frequency
The agricultural sense is standard in both varieties but more frequent in regions that grow rice. The offensive slang is predominantly found in UK informal speech and is considered dated but highly offensive.
Grammar
How to Use “paddy” in a Sentence
the paddy of [region, e.g., Vietnam]a paddy for [crop, e.g., rice]paddies in [location]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “paddy” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The paddy fields of Cambodia are stunning.
- He made a paddy-related comment which was offensive.
American English
- Paddy agriculture is water-intensive.
- The report discussed paddy production yields.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in agricultural trade and supply chain contexts (e.g., 'paddy rice prices').
Academic
Common in geography, agricultural science, and development studies.
Everyday
Common in discussions about farming, food, or travel in Asia. The offensive sense is to be strictly avoided.
Technical
Precise term in agronomy for a field with standing water used for irrigating rice.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “paddy”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “paddy”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “paddy”
- Using 'paddy' to refer to any field (it's specific to rice).
- Using the offensive ethnic sense without understanding its gravity.
- Misspelling as 'paddy' when meaning 'patty' (as in burger).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily, yes. While 'paddy' can technically refer to a field for other semi-aquatic crops, its overwhelming association is with rice cultivation.
It derives from the Irish name 'Paddy' (short for Patrick) and was used as a derogatory stereotype for Irishmen, often implying quick temper or foolishness. It is a potent ethnic slur.
It is American slang for a police van or vehicle used to transport prisoners. Its origin is unclear but may relate to the name 'Paddy' or a different etymology.
No, 'paddy' is not standardly used as a verb. The related agricultural actions would be 'to flood a field' or 'to cultivate rice'.
A flooded field where rice is grown.
Paddy is usually neutral in agricultural/geographical contexts; informal and offensive in the ethnic slur sense. in register.
Paddy: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpædi/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpædi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “paddy wagon (US slang: police van)”
- “to have a paddy (UK informal: to lose one's temper, potentially derived from stereotypical 'Irish temper')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a PADDY as a PAD for growing rice – a wet, padded area.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTAINER FOR LIFE (paddy as a nourishing, life-sustaining vessel for crops).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'paddy' considered highly offensive?