What is the meaning of the term "Irish Twins" (besides twins born in Ireland/Northern Ireland)?

Irish Twins, also termed Catholic Twins, are siblings born less than 12 months apart, who are not fraternal or identical twins. The phrase originated as a derogatory term associated with Irish immigration to the United States and England in the 1800's. The implication was that large groups of close-in-age siblings were the result of uneducated, poor Irish Catholic families' lack of birth control as well as self-control.

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Now the term is not intended as an insult, but rather as classifying two siblings born less than 12 months apart. While Irish twins are not actually twins and they are not the same as having twins, many families proudly claim the term to describe the short time span between the births of their children.

Did you know about that? Have you ever used this phrase? Do you have something to add or discuss? If you have any other interesting facts to share with us, don't hesitate to leave your comments below!

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74 Comments

Diane M. O'Boyle

I'm an 'Irish'/Catholic twin.. I don't take it as an insult. My parents were faithful Catholics, not uneducated.

billyboy915

Tom Naughton, You are mistaken. The roots of the idea behind the term are actually quite old, although no one knows when, exactly, people first began to talk about Irish twins. In both England and the United States, a massive influx of Irish immigration in the 1800s led to a negative connotation with Irish people and society. This often happens when a large immigrant group begins to settle in mass numbers in a new country. The Irish were accused of being backwards and uncultured, and it was assumed that they were uneducated, dirty, and a general pox on society. As a result, the use of the word “Irish” began to be pejorative. A number of derogatory terms incorporating stereotypes about the Irish began to emerge, including “Irish confetti” for thrown bricks and “Irish kiss” for a slap. Irish twins fits into this vernacular, and is actually insulting on multiple levels. Firstly, the term pokes fun at the stereotypical fertility of Irish Catholic families, which traditionally do not use birth control. In addition, it implies that the Irish lack the ability to plan ahead or control themselves, having children in quick succession rather than responsibly spacing them. Finally, it suggests that the Irish do not understand the medical definition of twins, which involves two children conceived and born together.

Linda Donaldson Ward

billyboy915, oh for goodness sake. Get over it. This term has been used for over 100 years. I'm of Irish heritage, too. I have no problem with it. Cupcakes!

kamaker

My grandfather was Irish born and bred...I am not offended .

MohamedLarbi Bouabdallah

I suggest they be called "Algerian twins" because we beat Irish in this !

Judith Statezny Ulch

I gave birth to "Irish Twins". My daughter, Collette, was born 2/9/1965 and son, Scott, was born 1/10/1966. When they were little, they were both blond and blue eyed and people thought they were twins.

Christine Chadwick

I have just learned that my brother and I are "Irish Twins" - 11 months between us with him being the elder. And No neither of my parents were Irish! - or Catholic!

Wendy Petty

Darlene Davidson, my sister and I are ‘Irish twins’, we were planned. Making general statements as yours can be hurtful.

Never heard of this expression. 🤔

Maia

As an "Irish twin", my brother and I were best friends and worst enemies. We could understand each other like no one else.

Sybilla

I am the first born of "Irish twins", my brother being born four days before my first birthday. This is the first time I have heard the expression and I quite dislike it. My parents, their birth families and their ancestors were anything but uneducated or poor Irish migrants. And there are Irish in the family.

skclary

Learned something new and got lucky with. 50/50!

Patricia Austin

My husband and his brother are Irish twins, one born on 16 Dec, his brother born 14 Dec the following year. I was told they are Irish before long before I did this quiz!

T Mac

I'm an Irish triplet and my two youngest children are Irish twins 🙂

Shirley Campbell

I did not know the term. My husband is an Irish/Catholic twin I found out when I asked if he knew the term.

MaryMac

Never heard this though lol always wanted twins I am an irish twin as their is just 11 months 21 days between me and big brother though Scottish born dad's Irish, mums scottish, for 19 days we same age

abbig = Gunter Gilchrist

I'm an Irish twin, the oldest and not of Irish descent. My sister and I are 11 months and 13 days apart and as close as peas in a pod

Joe Mangan

Born, raised and living in Ireland and never heard it. Maybe the English and Americans take one look at me and say: "we'd better not offend that fellow."