Taffy the Welshman stealing loot from the Englishman's home

Taffy was a Welshman

Taffy was a Welshman, Taffy was a thief;
Taffy came to my house and stole a piece of beef.
I went to Taffy’s house, Taffy was not home;
Taffy came to my house and stole a marrow bone.
I went to Taffy’s house, Taffy was not in;
Taffy came to my house and stole a silver pin.
I went to Taffy’s house, Taffy was in bed;
I took up a poker and threw it at his head.

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Posted in All Rhymes, Historical & Legendary, Mother Goose Classics, People & Characters

Tagged beef, bone, naughty, silver, thief, Welsh

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Meaning

The rhyme describes a mischievous character named Taffy—“a Welshman”—as a chronic thief, humorously recounting repeated acts of petty theft and mock retaliation. While some read it as a nonsensical tit-for-tat rhyme, its underlying stereotypes reveal historic tensions between English and Welsh communities and may be perceived as offensive by modern standards.

Origin

“Taffy was a Welshman” dates to the late 18th century, first documented in “Nancy Cock’s Pretty Song Book” (c. 1780), but probably rooted in older oral tradition and anti-Welsh sentiment. The use of “Taffy” comes from the Welsh name “Dafydd” and the River Taff. Some sources link the rhyme to the myth of Amaethon, a thieving figure from Celtic mythology.

Time Period

Late 1700s and widely popular in England throughout the 19th century, especially on St. David’s Day in areas bordering Wales.

Why It Became Popular

The repetitive, narrative structure and rhyming lines made it memorable for children. Unfortunately, its derogatory themes also reflect a period when ethnic stereotypes were commonly perpetuated through children’s verse.

Structure and Style

Meter: Simple ballad form with steady rhythm
Rhyme Scheme: AABB, with cumulative episodes
Line Count: Varies by version, typically four lines per verse
Style Notes: Story poem, repetitive, narrative

Themes

Stereotypes and mischief
Tit-for-tat retaliation
Community relations
Petty theft and comeuppance

Language Notes

While “Taffy” is a playful diminutive of “Dafydd,” its use in this context became a slur for Welsh people. Modern presentations of the rhyme are often accompanied by historical context and discussions about its troubling background.

Moral or Lesson

Ostensibly warns against stealing, though it mainly illustrates a spiral of mischief and revenge.

Historical or Cultural Notes

The rhyme was commonly recited in English counties near Wales and on St. David’s Day, sometimes with leek-wearing effigies. Today, it serves as a case study in the intersection of folklore and prejudice, requiring sensitive discussion in modern educational contexts.

Notable Variants

Many versions exist, substituting different items for Taffy to steal, or varied forms of retaliatory mischief.

Appearances in Media or Literature

Found in traditional nursery rhyme books, folklore collections, and modern analyses of historical prejudice in children’s literature.

Suggested Activities

Discussion: Use the rhyme to open conversations on fairness, stereotypes, and respect between cultures.
Creative Writing: Rewrite the rhyme to reflect kindness or mutual understanding.
Drama: Dramatize the story but discuss alternatives to retaliation and prejudice.
Research Project: Investigate the history of ethnic stereotypes in children’s lore and their effects.

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