Teague

/ˈtiːɡ/ noun

Definition

An archaic or dialectal term for a peasant or rural laborer, particularly used in Irish English.

Etymology

From Irish 'Tadhg,' a common Irish name that became a derogatory term in English for Irish people, particularly farmworkers or country folk during colonial times.

Kelly Says

This word is a linguistic artifact of colonial prejudice—English speakers used what was originally just a common Irish name as a slur for rural Irish people, showing how language can weaponize names against groups of people.

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