welsh
welsh
UK[wɛlʃ]US[wɛlʃ]
v
To fail to pay a debt or fulfil an obligation, especially by leaving without paying.
v
To fail to honour a promise or agreement.
Etymology
The verb 'welsh' originated in mid-19th century British racetrack slang. It is an ethnic stereotype, falsely attributing dishonesty or untrustworthiness in financial dealings to the Welsh people. The term leverages the existing name of the ethnic group, applying it as a verb to describe the act of defaulting on a bet or debt. This evolution exemplifies how prejudice can become lexicalized, transforming a proper noun into a verb with a negative and offensive connotation based on bigoted generalizations.
Analysis
This is a simplex word. It is a derogatory ethnic slur derived from the demonym "Welsh", referring to the people of Wales. Its functional role is as a verb formed through conversion (zero-derivation) from the proper noun.
Examples
He accused the bookmaker of welshing on their bet.
You promised to help, so don't welsh on the deal now.
The contractor took the deposit and then welshed, leaving the job unfinished.