Is it St. Paddy’s or St. Patty’s?

Thursday (3/4) was National Grammar Day, a holiday near and dear to the hearts of those who can't stand the way most people type on social media. With those nice people in mind, we settle the question, 'is it Paddy's, or Patty's?'

We know one thing for sure, there's a possessive apostrophe involved. But when it comes to St. Patrick's Day, almost anybody you ask is confused about whether the shortened title for the holiday uses "tt" or "dd." For a long time, I though that the correct way to spell it is "St. Patty's," as it's short for "Patrick's," not "Padrick's." However, many of our Irish friends and listeners say that the official Irish spelling, does in fact, use "dd."

19th century Irish poet William B. Yeats said, "Paddy is derived from the Irish, Pádraig: the source of those mysterious, emerald double-Ds. Patty is the diminutive of Patricia, or a burger, and just not something you call a fella. There isn't a sinner in Ireland that would refer to a Patrick as “Patty”. It's as simple as that."

A few listeners chimed in, insisting that "Patty's" is for the traditional who are shortening "Patrick's," and that "Paddy's" is used by those just looking for an excuse to drink too much green beer and down Irish Car Bombs. Others brought up the Irish male name Pádraic or Pádraig, citing it as the source for the use of the double ds in "St. Paddy's." And one wise listener says "it depends on your level of intoxication."

Either way, I think a lot of people are looking forward to St. Patrick's Day this year as it's the first big holiday that Americans are celebrating since the country began to slowly reopen, and since Montana lifted some capacity restrictions. And sorry to break your heart, but corned beef & cabbage is not traditional Irish fare, however, that doesn't mean you can't enjoy it for the upcoming holiday. Here's KC's awesome recipe for corned venison & cabbage.