The term "paddy wagon" refers to a police wagon used for transporting prisoners or suspects. However, there are various other words and phrases used to describe this vehicle. Some common synonyms include "police van," "prisoner transport," "sweeper," "wagon," and "black mariah." Many of these terms date back to the early 1900s and were used interchangeably depending on the region, department, or era. However, the use of the term "paddy wagon" has been criticized for its derogatory connotations towards Irish immigrants and should be avoided in modern language.