paddy wagon

American  

noun

1. Informal. patrol wagon.

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paddy wagon British  

noun

1. an informal word for patrol wagon

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Usage

More context on paddy wagon Paddy is a pet form of Patrick, a name commonly found in Ireland, whose patron saint is St. Patrick. That's fine and all; plenty of individuals do go by the nickname Paddy. But using Paddy as a stand-in for all Irish people? That's definitely not fine. While many people are proud of their Irish heritage, it can be easy to forget how poorly treated the Irish were, especially by the British and as American immigrants. While its exact origin is unclear, paddy wagon, for a police van or car, may be linked to a historic stereotype that painted Irish immigrants as no more than “drunk criminals” in the U. S. If knowing the history of paddy wagon has got you reflecting on your word choices, this slideshow, "These Common Words Have Offensive Histories," discusses many other words whose place in your vocab you may want to reconsider. 

Etymology

Origin of paddy wagon

1925–30; probably paddy policeman, special use of paddy

Example Sentences

At 2 a.m., they brought them to the paddy wagon that would take them to the temporary detention facility.

From New York Times • Mar. 30, 2022

But there’s one thing that’s changed: That step up into the paddy wagon is tougher at age 81.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 18, 2019

The Associated Press reported that Fonda was taken away in a paddy wagon.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 18, 2019

“One cruiser or paddy wagon is about the same price,” he said.

From Washington Times • Jul. 13, 2019

A police officer grabs Dr. King by the seat of his trousers and leads him to a paddy wagon during a demonstration in Birmingham, Alabama.

From "Because They Marched" by Russell Freedman