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

“I asked her if she would be scared to do such work. She said, ‘No it would please me to kill Boches.’”

From New York Times

“I asked her if she would be scared to do such work. She said, ‘No, it would please me to kill Boches,’” using a derogatory French word for German soldiers.

From Washington Post

“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

Fourcade, she tells us, was beautiful and liked men, but she was obsessed with defeating the despised Boches.

From New York Times

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

From Time