Definition

1. Noun:
   • Rice in the husk: Refers to rice that is still in its natural, unprocessed state, either after being harvested or while still growing in the field.
   • A flooded field for growing rice: An irrigated or flooded field where rice is cultivated.
   • (Offensive, ethnic slur): An offensive and derogatory term for a person of Irish descent.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Rice):
  • The farmers brought the freshly harvested paddy to the mill.
  • The price of paddy has increased this season.
• Noun (Field):
  • The landscape was a patchwork of green paddies.
  • Water buffalo are often used to plow the paddy.
• Noun (Offensive Slur):
  • Using the term "paddy" to refer to an Irish person is considered highly offensive and should be avoided.

Advanced Usage

• "Paddy field": This is a common compound term specifically for the flooded field where rice is grown. It is more precise than using "paddy" alone for this meaning.
  • The terraced paddy fields are a beautiful sight.

Variants and Related Words

• Paddywhack (also paddywack) (n, informal):
  • A fit of temper or rage.

    • He threw a paddywhack when he heard the news.
  • (Archaic) A slap or a beating.

Synonyms

• For rice in the husk: rough rice, unhulled rice.
• For the field: rice paddy, rice field, paddy field.

Important Note on Usage

The term "paddy" as an ethnic slur is deeply offensive and rooted in prejudice. It is critical to understand this connotation to avoid causing harm. The primary, non-offensive meanings of the word relate to agriculture.

Noun

1. rice in the husk either gathered or still in the field
2. an irrigated or flooded field where rice is grown
3. (ethnic slur) offensive term for a person of Irish descent