Boche

or boche

[ bosh, bawsh ]

noun

, plural Boche, Boches [bosh, bawsh].

1. Older Slang: Disparaging and Offensive. a contemptuous term used to refer to a German, especially a German soldier in World War I or II.

Boche

/ bɒʃ /

noun

1. a German, esp a German soldier
2. the Boche
   usually functioning as plural Germans collectively, esp German soldiers regarded as the enemy

Sensitive Note

This term was originally French slang, perhaps from the Franco-Prussian War. In English, it appears today only in historical contexts.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Boche¹

First recorded in 1885–90; from French; of uncertain origin; possibly a shortening of Alboche, Alleboche “German,” equivalent to al(emand) “German” + (ca)boche “cabbage, blockhead, head of a nail”

Word History and Origins

Origin of Boche¹

C20: from French, probably shortened from alboche German, from allemand German + caboche pate

Example Sentences

It seemed impossible that the Boche (p.091) could have been driven out of it.

From Project Gutenberg

The Boche were at it hard now, and they were bombing all round every night.

From Project Gutenberg

The Boche, I presume, couldn't see, but just let off on chance.

From Project Gutenberg

Hardly a night passed at this period that the Boche did not have a "go" at St. Omer.

From Project Gutenberg

The Boche had only left it about three weeks, and it had not been "cleaned up."

From Project Gutenberg