Is It St. Patty or St. Paddy?
People of all nations and heritages use St. Patrick’s Day as an excuse to celebrate, though the holiday is, at its roots, Irish. The name Patrick, abbreviated as Patty in English, hence the popularity of the St. Patty’s Day spelling—but St. Patrick’s Day is, again, Irish, and the name Patrick is an Anglicized one originating from the Gaelic Pádraig. English speakers commonly accept Patrick as a suitable replacement. Still, with the original Irish spelling taken into account, St. Patrick’s Day should be abbreviated as St. Paddy’s Day.In an American accent, St. Patty and St. Paddy sound almost identical, so it’s not the biggest deal if you verbally tell friends, fellow celebrators, and passersby a ‘Happy St. Patrick’s Day.’ However, if you’re planning to post, write a letter, purchase some St. Patrick’s Day paraphernalia, or write the abbreviation, do yourself a favor and stick to the St. Paddy’s Day spelling.In many ways, contemporary St. Patrick’s Day celebrations have strayed far from their roots—see the widespread, beer-induced chaos that ensues in cities across the country on March 17, popular Kiss Me, I’m Irish gear and leprechaun-everything decor. The spelling of St. Paddy’s Day as St. Patty’s Day is less of an evolution of the celebration and more of a straight-up misspelling. However you choose to celebrate (or not celebrate), the least you can do is spell the saint’s name correctly.
