potato eater

English

Etymology

The potato became a staple crop in Ireland in the 19th century due to its quick growth, as most Irish farmers back then had little land to grow their own crops.

Noun

potato eater (plural potato eaters)

1. (slang, sometimes derogatory, offensive) An Irish person.
2. (sometimes derogatory) A peasant.

See also

• bean-eater, beaner (slurs towards Mexican people)
• rice-eater (slur directed towards Asian people)