Irish twin

Irish twin

English

Etymology

Originally used (in the nineteenth century) to mock the fertility of Irish families, referencing the stereotype that they have children in quicker succession.

Noun

Irish twin (plural Irish twins)

1. (rare, slang, offensive) Either of a pair of siblings born less than 12 months apart, especially if born within the same calendar year or school year or born one year apart.

   Synonym: Catholic twin

   • 2014, Karyn Gerrard, His Wicked Celtic Kiss, Simon and Schuster (→ISBN)

     I'm the oldest, my brother, Dylan, is the next oldest—my Irish twin.” “Irish twin?” “He's ten months younger, what is referred to sarcastically as an Irish twin. My parents still live in the same flat in Dublin I grew up in. I haven't been home much the last twelve years or so. How about you, darlin'?”