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Examples
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The “plastic paddy” is a phrase used to refer to people born outside of Ireland who claim an Irish identity while relying on stereotypes or being ignorant to things actually happening in Ireland.
Irish Americans: The Plight of the Plastic Paddy Breanna Reynolds 2025
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A plastic paddy is someone who is some combination of: not born in Ireland, not raised in Ireland, never been to Ireland, doesn’t understand Irish culture, cannot pronounce Irish words (if you cannot say Youghal … 🤷🏻♂️).
"Plastic Paddy" hopefulHeidegger 2025
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I’ve even encountered plastic paddies in Irish bars in the US. One tried to talk shit to me because I’m English. He literally had no idea what he was talking about and was about as cultured as cheese in a can.
Plastic Paddy Starter Pack AlbatrossTough3013 2025
sionnach commented on the word plastic paddy
Someone of Irish descent who considers themself (sue me!) to be fully Irish.
December 10, 2007
amirtyz commented on the word plastic paddy
Plastic Paddy is a pejorative term for members of the Irish diaspora who appropriate (often stereotypical) Irish customs and identity. The term has also been applied to those with no ancestral connection to Ireland or who claim Irish identity or nationality. A plastic Paddy may know little of actual Irish culture, but nevertheless assert an Irish identity.12 The term is pejoratively used to refer to people on the basis of their perceived lack of authenticity as Irish.34
From Wikipedia
November 6, 2013
bilby commented on the word plastic paddy
I'm not claiming Irish identity but I do play Gaelic football.
November 7, 2013