Boche etymology

Etymology

The word "Boche" is a slang term used in France and other French-speaking countries to refer to Germans. It is believed to have originated during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871.

Meaning

• In French, "boche" means "German" or "Teuton."
• In English, it is typically used as a derogatory or insulting term for Germans.

Origin

There are several competing theories about the origin of the word "Boche":

• German word for "cabbage": Some believe that it comes from the German word "Kraut," which means cabbage. During the Franco-Prussian War, German soldiers often wore uniforms that were a cabbage-green color, and the French began to refer to them as "les mangeurs de chou" (the cabbage eaters). Over time, this term was shortened to "boche."
• Alsace dialect: Others suggest that it originated in the Alsace region, which was disputed between France and Germany during the 19th century. In the Alsatian dialect, "boche" was used to refer to a clumsy or uncouth person.
• Fear of "boches": Some historians believe that the term "boche" evolved from the French phrase "avoir la frousse aux boches," which literally means "to have a fear of the Germans."
• Musical instrument: Another theory claims that it comes from a German musical instrument called a "bock," which was used to accompany marching soldiers.

Usage

The use of the word "Boche" declined after World War II, but it is still occasionally used as a derogatory term in certain contexts. In contemporary French, it is generally considered to be offensive and is avoided by most speakers.

Boche relate terms

• bouche

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• German

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• manger

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• tete

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• thalamus

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• mantle

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• haunt

  Etymology The word haunt comes from the Old French word hanter meaning to frequent

• Adam

  Etymology Derived from the Hebrew word adamah אדמה meaning earth or ground