welsh: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, often derogatory and offensive.
Quick answer
What does “welsh” mean?
To fail to pay a debt or honour a bet.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To fail to pay a debt or honour a bet; to renege on a promise or agreement.
To cheat someone out of money that is owed, especially in gambling. More broadly, to fail to fulfill an obligation or commitment.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is used in both varieties, though it is likely more common in UK English, given its historical connection to tensions between the English and Welsh. It is less frequent but still understood in US English.
Connotations
Strongly pejorative in both. In the UK, the ethnic slur connotation is more immediately apparent.
Frequency
More frequent in UK English, but declining due to increased awareness of its offensive nature.
Grammar
How to Use “welsh” in a Sentence
[Subject] welsh on [Object: debt/promise/agreement]To welsh on someoneVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “welsh” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He welshed on the bet after his horse lost.
- Don't you dare welsh on our agreement.
American English
- He welched on the poker debt and left town.
- She accused him of welshing on his promise to invest.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Strongly negative; used informally to accuse a partner of not honouring a financial agreement.
Academic
Extremely rare; the term itself is more likely studied for its sociolinguistic and pejorative aspects.
Everyday
Informal, potentially offensive. Used in contexts of gambling or informal debts.
Technical
Not applicable in technical fields.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “welsh”
- Spelling: 'welch' is a common variant. Using the term without awareness of its offensive, discriminatory origin.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both spellings are encountered, with 'welsh' being the original and more common form in dictionaries. 'Welch' is a frequent variant.
It originates from a 19th-century ethnic stereotype that Welsh people were dishonest or untrustworthy, particularly in settling debts. Using a nationality as a synonym for cheating is derogatory.
It is best avoided due to its offensive nature. Neutral synonyms like 'renege', 'default on', or 'back out of' are recommended.
Yes, etymologically it is derived from the demonym 'Welsh', but its meaning is entirely pejorative and based on a negative stereotype. It does not describe any positive or neutral attribute of Wales or its people.
To fail to pay a debt or honour a bet.
Welsh is usually informal, often derogatory and offensive. in register.
Welsh: in British English it is pronounced /welʃ/, and in American English it is pronounced /welʃ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To welsh on a deal”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'Welsh' (the people) but with a negative twist: a false rhyme - 'Welsh' on a promise and leave someone else to pay.
Conceptual Metaphor
DISHONESTY IS A NATIONAL STEREOTYPE (derogatory and problematic). FINANCIAL OBLIGATION IS A PROMISED LAND (to welsh is to refuse to enter it).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most appropriate and non-offensive synonym for 'welsh' in a formal complaint?