Paddy Wagon

'Paddy wagon' is a slang term for a police car or van. The term's used in the US, Britain, and many former British Commonwealth countries, and its origins are uncertain.

While most sources agree that the 'paddy' in paddy wagon is reference to the Irish (Paddy/Patty/Patrick/St Patrick), there's a question as to whether they rode in the front or the back of the vehicle.

One school of thought suggests the term arose because many American policemen were of Irish descent, the police cars they drove were nicknamed paddy wagons. This school claims an American origin, although this interpretation doesn't explain why the term is used throughout the English-speaking world.

Another school suggests just the opposite: the term arose because so many Irish rode in the back of police vans, having been picked up for drunk and disorderly conduct. This is the most commonly-accepted interpretation, and explains its almost world-wide usage (the Irish having a reputation - deserved or not - for drinking and brawling).

 

'You riding in the front or back, Paddy?'

A third school hardly bears mentioning. Some suggest that the paddy is a reference to the padded interior of some early vehicles. Yah, right ....