What is a latchyco (also spelled latchico)?

A ‘latchyco’ or 'latchico' is a derogatory, informal term widely used in Ireland, and is often heard in Irish communities outside Ireland e.g. in London and Liverpool, to refer to a wastrel, an idle, ne’er-do-well rogue, typically a man or boy.

The etymology for the term is not clear. The Oxford Dictionary suggests that the word probably derives from the Scottish ‘latch’ meaning ‘laziness or a lazy person’. This in turn is thought to derive from the Old French ‘laschier’ meaning ‘to relax’.

One of the best summaries of the meaning of the term is provided in the five verses and chorus of the song “The Latchyco”, one of the many songs written by the ‘Country & Irish’ singer/songwriter Johnny McCauley (April 23, 1925 – March 22, 2012). The song explains how one of twin brothers, the one who is the latchyco, is always a step or two ahead of his honest twin who subsequently gets accused by the latchyco's victims for misdeeds of which he is innocent and unaware. The chorus lyrics are: -

"Well my brother he’s a latchyco

Although he is my twin

And where ever I go in

London town

I find I just can’t win

I get the blame for his misdeeds

No matter where I roam

Oh if I could find that latchyco

I’d send him right back home."

Artists such as Christy Moore and Daniel O’Donnell have recorded McCauley's songs and Daniel O’Donnell included “The Latchyco” on his 1985 album, “Two Sides of Daniel O’Donnell”.