Boche

American  

[bosh, bawsh] / bɒʃ, bɔʃ /

Or boche

noun

plural

Boche, Boches

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.

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Boche British  

/ bɒʃ /

noun

1. a German, esp a German soldier

2. (usually functioning as plural) Germans collectively, esp German soldiers regarded as the enemy

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Sensitive Note

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

Etymology

Origin of Boche

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”

Example Sentences

“There was an atmosphere of fear. And then, the streets were empty. Paris, it’s the occupation, without the Boches!” he said, laughing, using a French pejorative for Germans.

From New York Times

Trump is better categorized as an Outlaw, according to Edward Boches, professor of advertising at Boston University.

From Time

“We like to see each other’s lives and foibles and accidents,” says Edward Boches, a professor of advertising at Boston University.

From Time

“In the early days, the brands did everything other than own the networks,” says Edward Boches, a professor of advertising at Boston University.

From Time

Fentress and Bryan Boches, a Medley managing director, also met with then U.S.

From BusinessWeek