welsh

See also: Welsh

English

Alternative forms

Etymology

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

Verb

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

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

Usage notes
  • 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

See also

References
  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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