welsh

See also: Welsh

English edit

Alternative forms edit

welch
Welsh

Etymology edit

Sometimes suggested to derive from disparaging stereotypes of the Welsh (“people from Wales”), though firm evidence of this derivation is lacking.^[1] Compare gyp (“swindle”) (probably from gypsy (“Roma”)), and jew (“defraud”), from Jew.

Pronunciation edit

(UK) IPA^(key): /wɛlʃ/
Audio (US) (file)
Rhymes: -ɛlʃ
Homophone: Welsh

Verb edit

welsh (third-person singular simple present welshes, present participle welshing, simple past and past participle welshed)

(derogatory, sometimes offensive) To cheat or swindle someone, often by not paying a debt, especially a gambling debt.
(derogatory, sometimes offensive) To go back on one's word.

Usage notes edit

The use of this term is sometimes considered offensive, especially by Welsh people, because it is taken as a negative stereotype of the Welsh.^[1]

Derived terms edit

welsh-comb

References edit

↑ ^1.0 ^1.1 The American Heritage Guide to Contemporary Usage and Style (2005, →ISBN: "Etymologists can find no firm evidence that the verb welsh, meaning "to swindle a person by not paying a debt" or "to fail to fulfill an obligation," is derived from Welsh, the people of Wales."

[AHG-1] 1.0 ^1.1 The American Heritage Guide to Contemporary Usage and Style (2005, →ISBN: "Etymologists can find no firm evidence that the verb welsh, meaning "to swindle a person by not paying a debt" or "to fail to fulfill an obligation," is derived from Welsh, the people of Wales."

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