boche: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low / Archaic / HistoricalTaboo / Offensive / Historical Slang
Quick answer
What does “boche” mean?
A dated, offensive slang term for a German person.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A dated, offensive slang term for a German person.
A pejorative, primarily used during the World Wars to refer to German soldiers or people, often conveying contempt.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Historically used in both varieties, but more strongly associated with British and Commonwealth forces in WWI and WWII. American forces used 'Kraut' more frequently.
Connotations
Identically offensive and archaic in both varieties.
Frequency
Effectively obsolete in contemporary speech, encountered only in historical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “boche” in a Sentence
[Determiner] + boche + (noun)the + bocheVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “boche” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The boche sniper was positioned in the ruined farmhouse.
- They expected a boche counter-attack at dawn.
American English
- Boche machine-gun nests lined the ridge.
- They captured a boche officer's map case.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in historical, linguistic, or sociological studies discussing wartime propaganda and pejorative language.
Everyday
Taboo. Its use would be considered highly offensive and ignorant.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “boche”
- Using it as a neutral or humorous term.
- Assuming it is acceptable in modern contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It is a deeply offensive ethnic slur. Its only appropriate context is in academic or historical discussion about the word itself, not as a label for people.
It originated in French slang ('tête de boche' = hard head, blockhead) around 1860 and was adopted by Allied soldiers in World War I.
All are derogatory historical terms. 'Jerry' (mainly British) was less vitriolic. 'Kraut' (mainly American) and 'boche' were more openly contemptuous. All are now considered offensive.
Yes, but it will be clearly labelled as 'offensive', 'slur', 'dated', or 'historical'. Its inclusion is for reference, not endorsement.
A dated, offensive slang term for a German person.
Boche is usually taboo / offensive / historical slang in register.
Boche: in British English it is pronounced /bɒʃ/, and in American English it is pronounced /bɑːʃ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a historical BOSH (boss) shouting orders - but it's a term you should 'bosh' (dismiss/reject) from modern vocabulary due to its offensive nature.
Conceptual Metaphor
ENEMY IS SUBHUMAN / CONTEMPTIBLE OBJECT.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'boche' be potentially acceptable to use today?