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Okay, so far I've gathered that russians are often referred to as "ivans", and americans as "tommy". So, just curious, what are the common nicknames for each of the other nations. There must be some such for the brits, italians, germans, japanese, etc. right?

Um, I think the Brits are 'Tommys' - Americans are 'Yanks'. ('Doughboys' if you go back to WWI.) The allies had a few names for German, Japanese and Italian soldiers, but they were pretty disparaging - I'd be interested in hearing others.

Germans - Kraut, Hun, Jerry, to name a few.

Japanese - Nips, lots of racist stuff I'd rather not go into, (not a lot of love lost between combatants in the Pacific Theatre).

Of course the Italians, who were issued reversible uniforms before the war;)

Japanese- Japs

Americans- Joes

Goblin- Slimy, Lil Green Man, Green One, Ugly, Short and Ugly, Short Green and Ugly, etc

Goblin- A Goblin is AKA;)

Was this 'derisive tag' for your enemies and Anglo-Euorpean tendency or did it occur in other cultures used in the same manner?

For instance, Americans and British tend to create some generic term for the enemy (or several, usually) and use it to represent both singular and collective groups. "The Jerrys are storming the front".

But did the Japanese commonly use terms like "The Joe's are on the beach" or "The Round eyes are here, Aiee!"

Or the Russians or the Indians, etc.

If most cultures use this ridiculing tactic, why? What, exactly, does it accomplish? Is it an attempt at de-humanizing your opponent? Does that improve morale, or combat effectiveness?

(In the case of Goblin, de-humanizing isn't necessary )

And...

Where DID "Kilroy was here" come from. (and how come no one's used it as an avatar )

It's late, goodnight :rolleyes:

The use of such terms is to de-humanize and demonize the enemy and make it easier on the conscience when killing them.

Originally posted by Goblin
....
Goblin- Slimy, Lil Green Man, Green One, Ugly, Short and Ugly, Short Green and Ugly, etc
...

You do realize of course that those are terms of respect and affection? (Manly, strictly hetero affection that is;) )

Hey thanks for all these replies. It's fun to know

this is a great sight to visit if you want to read about some of the theories of just who or how the whole "Kilroy" business got started. Pretty entertaining!

http://www.kilroywashere.org/

Hmm...just adding one: "Amis" - German name for the Americans.

Wasn't a particular name for a foe more common within different armies? I.e. Germans being referred to as 'Krauts', 'Fritzes' and 'Gerries' in different armies? Or were they just as common throughout?

Oh, oh, got another one!

Goblinite infantry (especially the Russian breed) is generally referred to as 'snotlings'

Originally posted by Belisarius
Oh, oh, got another one!

Goblinite infantry (especially the Russian breed) is generally referred to as 'snotlings'

You're a lot more polite to Goblin's infantry than I am! My term is unprintable in this gentle forum.

You can also call the Russians Ruskkies.

Originally posted by REMF
The use of such terms is to de-humanize and demonize the enemy and make it easier on the conscience when killing them.

In addition to the dehumanizing effects of this, I think that it also comes down to just how much a soldier has on his mind. With constant concerns of weapon care, marching, supply, combat, death, loved ones back home, it becomes easier to think in collective terms and generalities rather than specifics. It's also, as REMF stated, much easier to kill "that **** kraut" than Johann Berger.

Originally posted by CamTheJagMan


In addition to the dehumanizing effects of this, I think that it also comes down to just how much a soldier has on his mind. With constant concerns of weapon care, marching, supply, combat, death, loved ones back home, it becomes easier to think in collective terms and generalities rather than specifics. It's also, as REMF stated, much easier to kill "that **** kraut" than Johann Berger.

I found this little article you guys might be interested in. The link won't take you immediately to the article, but to a list of articles. The one in question is "From ‘Dagoes’ to ‘Nervy Spaniards’
American Soldiers’ Views of their Opponents, 1898"