noun
paddy
PA-dee
noun
1
A flooded field used for growing rice.
"Farmers worked knee-deep in the paddy fields."
2
Rice still in its husk, before milling.
"The paddy was left to dry in the sun before processing."
3
Informal British/Irish English for a sudden fit of temper.
"He threw a paddy when his flight was delayed."
How to Use Paddy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishUsually a rice field, but in casual British/Irish speech it also means a tantrum.
When to use it
"Throw a paddy" is informal British/Irish slang; avoid it in formal writing.
Common pairings
rice paddy
throw a paddy
Word Forms
more paddy comparative, paddies plural, paddies plural, paddies plural, Paddys plural, Paddies plural, most paddy superlative
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Farmers worked knee-deep in the _____ fields.
Etymology
From the Malay word for the rice plant, padi.