Why did they call the Germans Bosch?

Pronounced [boʃ], boche is a derisive term used by the Allies during World War I, often collectively (“the Boche” meaning “the Germans”). It is a shortened form of the French slang portmanteau alboche, itself derived from Allemand (“German”) and caboche (“head” or “cabbage”).

What does Bosh mean in German?

/ bɒʃ, bɔʃ / PHONETIC RESPELLING. noun, plural Boche, Boches [bosh, bawsh]. Older Slang: Disparaging and Offensive. a contemptuous term used to refer to a German, especially a German soldier in World War I or II.

What does swine Hund mean?

noun. A despicable, troublesome, or unpleasant person. Often as an abusive form of address. Chiefly used where the speaker or referent is German. Compare swine-dog , swine-hound .

Why do the French call the Germans “alboch”?

The French translated the Dutch expression to mock the Belgians. Germans were called “Tête d” alboch” where “alboche” is short for “Boche Allemand” [German Boche] and was used since the Franco-Prussian War. It means “simple-minded German”.

What is the origin of the German word ‘Boche’?

The Germans, having among the French a reputation for obstinacy and being a bad lot, came to be named with a jesting version ofallemande, namely allboche or alboche. About 1900 alboche was shortened to boche as a generic name for Germans.

How do you spell Carl Bosch’s name?

I’ve never heard the reference to Carl Bosch before. The customary spelling is Boche, and it was a French usage (we called them Huns). My dictionary derives it from ‘alboche’ meaning German – from ‘allemand’ (German) and ‘caboche’ (head or pate – not with an accent as in foie gras!).

What is the difference between Boche and Bosche?

Boche is the preferred and most common English spelling. Bosche is a rarer English alternative spelling. Boche is a French slang word for ‘rascal’ first applied to German soldiers during World War One, and borrowed during the early years of that conflict into British English.