why are the welsh called taffys?

Answer 1

Derivative from the river Taff running through Cardiff, but if you're from the north, Its a Derivative of the name David as in Welsh its Dafydd pronounced Dah vith
Started in 17th century, and its derogatory when used by English people, but no-one worries anymore, I know I dont (from very welsh very north Wales)

Answer 2

In 1987, as part of a £2,400,000,000 ($3,984,000,000) regeneration, an ambitious project began to build a barrage across Cardiff Bay fed by the rivers Ely and Taff (hence the Welsh are called Taffy's).

I've heard other reasons, as well. I'm guessing the true meaning is a bit older.

Answer 3

As one who was born and raised in the Welsh valleys town of Merthyr Tydfil, the River Taff runs through my memories just as surely as it does through my hometown. The term Taffy was used to describe particularly the Southern Welsh during the Industrial Revolution of the 1800s when towns along the river were heavily populated and the sites of much incoming immigration, as the area was one of the hubs of the Industrial Revolution. Taffy became a stereotype for Welshmen, who were largely seen by the middle and upper class English (including those who owned and ran the ironworks where the Welshmen worked), as brutish, largely uncultured and untrustworthy.

It's a stereotype that's not entirely without foundation and remains to this day, though like the Scots and the Irish, today's Taffies like to think it's the English who are the uncultured ones...

Answer 4

Taffy or Taff
(UK) a Welsh person. First used ca. 17th century. From the River Taff or the Welsh pronunciation of the name David (in Welsh, Dafydd).[208] Children's rhyme: "Taffy was a Welshman, Taffy was a thief". Highly offensive when used by an Englishman.
Taig / teig / teague / teg

Answer 5

i'm Welsh - and proud to be. residing in England now, i'm each now and then called Taffy. i do no longer evaluate it an 'ethnic slur'. Do the different Welsh exiles? i could have an interest to appreciate.

Answer 6

"Taffy" is a derogatory term that came about because the popular Welsh name Dafydd (David) was mispronounced by the English.

Answer 7

Cause of the river Taff that runs through Cardiff.

Answer 8

Because of the river Taff in Cardiff!!

Answer 9

Never heard that one before. 'Cause they make taffy?

Answer 10

after the river Taff.