Originally posted by GerryRM3: Because its was a derogitory term. Remember the Irish and British wern't exactly on friendly terms.
Not that things are great for them today either there Gerry. Especially Northern Ireland, which is part of the UK, the southern part is its own independant nation.
From an old reference about terms and custome in the RN;
A Dutchmans Pennant was the term used to describe a loose end or untidy end of line flying loose aloft.
An Irish Pennant was used to describe the frayed or tattered end of a flag or pennant.
The RN of old didn't particularly care for any nationality that may have crossed their bow or appeared just a bit sloppy, or just didn't measure up to their standard.
The other guy from that other country is always a little strange or confusing. Such tongue-in-cheek disparagements were not confined to the Irish or the Dutch.
There was a British tendency around the time of World War I to use the adjective "Chinese" as a slur, implying "confused, disorganized, or inferior." Other "Chinese" slurs of the day included "Chinese national anthem" (an explosion) and "Chinese puzzle" (one with no solution). In this context it is related to the stereotype of the Chinese as being "inscrutable", hard to judge, and difficult to understand, all relating to the British experience of a sophisticated but distinctly alien culture. There are earlier isolated examples which were based on ideas of the inferiority of the Chinese.
Several expressions in common use in aviation since World War I, such as "Chinese landing" (a clumsy landing) and "Chinese ace" (an inept pilot), derive from the English phrase.
In the US sometimes you can substitute "Polish" for "Irish" or "Chinese." In Canada I've heard of "Newfie" jokes. Newfoundland is the poorest province.
I've heard the aquatic skills of the US Marines disparaged and them referred to as "Polish frogmen."
Manly men are always being a little insulting to each other. Should be no surprise.
I first heard the term " Chinese Firedrill" used to describe the the mass confusion when the BM passed the word ...This is a drill,General Quarters, which was the first GQ drill during shakedown cruise while serving in the USS New Jersey,!951
