St. Patrick’s Day: Is the Correct Nickname St. Paddy’s or St. Patty’s?

The question many ask themselves every year during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations: Is the proper nickname St. PaDDy’s or St. PaTTy’s?

Many redheads insist it is St. Paddy’s Day saying ‘Patty’ is short for Patricia (a woman’s nickname), whereas ‘Paddy’ comes from the Irish spelling of the name Patrick. Pádraig is the Irish Gaelic version of Patrick.

Where does the confusion arise? Pádraig is Anglicized Patrick. ‘Pat’ or ‘Patty’ is usually the shortened version that is most familiar — more than Patrick. However, many named Patrick are nicknamed ‘Pat’.

READ: 5 Reasons St. Patrick’s Day is Unofficial Redhead’s Day 

Thanks to Twitter and the Buzzfeed @StyleGuide account, they clarified the proper spelling:

It's St. PADDY's Day, two D's (not St. Patty's)🇮🇪

Paddy = nickname from the Irish name Padraig, whose Anglicized form is Patrick
Patty = a woman's nickname, also 🍔

— BuzzFeed Style Guide (@styleguide) March 16, 2018

READ: Do’s and Dont’s When You See a Redhead on St. Patrick’s Day 

Sounds confusing? Just remember to use ‘Paddy’ and not ‘Patty’ this St. Patrick’s Day and Rock it like a Redhead! 

Main photo © How to be a Redhead from the 2013 Rock it like a Redhead Event in NYC