You might want to be careful using the term “St. Patty’s” this March 17.
Some Irish people reportedly dislike the term “St. Patty’s,” as the nickname is only applicable to Patricia — a woman’s name — and not a man, which St. Patrick was.
“St. Paddy’s” is appropriate, however, because the alternative spelling is a nickname for Pádraig, a variant of Patrick, according to website PaddyNotPatty.
The Dublin International Airport addressed the issue itself on its Facebook page in 2014. “Please share this simple message with your friends and relations in the United States and Canada,” a post on the page in the Gaelic language reportedly read. “Using the power of your network, hopefully we can banish the scourge of St Patty once and for all.” The meme still crops up every year on Facebook and elsewhere.
St. Paddy’s Day this year arrives on Friday.
More Must-Reads From TIME
- Jane Fonda Champions Climate Action for Every Generation
- Biden’s Campaign Is In Trouble. Will the Turnaround Plan Work?
- Why We're Spending So Much Money Now
- The Financial Influencers Women Actually Want to Listen To
- Breaker Sunny Choi Is Heading to Paris
- Why TV Can’t Stop Making Silly Shows About Lady Journalists
- The Case for Wearing Shoes in the House
- Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time
Contact us at letters@time.com