We here at Mandatory don’t endorse stereotypes…but we reserve the right to laugh our asses off at them. That’s why, in honor of St. Patrick’s Day, we searched high and low like ambitious little leprechauns to find a handful of Irish stereotypes that are sadly kind of true.
Whether it’s related to popular monikers, common hair colors, or family size, some traits associated with those of the Celtic persuasion have absolutely been borne out again and again. Scroll on and see what we mean!
Cover Photo: DeanDrobot (Getty Images)
irish stereotypes
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The Irish are all redheads.
OK, technically this is not true, but Ireland does boast the largest per-capita ratio of gingers.
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They have huge families.
This is what happens when Catholics abide by the Pope’s edicts on birth control.
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Every Irish woman is named Mary.
Mary was indeed once the most popular name for girls in Ireland. While that’s no longer true, it does mean that a lot of ladies over a certain age are going to respond to this moniker.
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The Irish can't take a compliment.
Go ahead, try to tell that lad he has a sharp haircut or that lassie that she has beautiful green eyes. You’ll likely hear the people in question bad-mouth themselves and refuse to accept your compliment. Is this level of humility a sin?
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The Irish love potatoes.
We would never knock this versatile vegetable. Go on with your spud-lovin’ selves.
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The Irish drink too much.
You’ve met an Irish person, haven’t you?