old contemptibles
Very Low Frequency / Historical TermHistorical, formal, commemorative, military history
Definition
Meaning
An historical nickname, originally derogatory but later adopted with pride, referring to the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) that fought in the early battles of the First World War in 1914.
A term of collective memory and national pride, used to honour the original, highly-professional, long-serving regular soldiers of the BEF who suffered heavy casualties in the initial engagements of the First World War, particularly at the Battle of Mons and the First Battle of Ypres. It evokes stoicism, resilience, and a small professional force facing overwhelming odds.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is a proper noun, always used in its plural form and often capitalised ('Old Contemptibles'). It is not used to describe individuals but the collective body. Its meaning is almost entirely historical and referential.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is predominantly British/Commonwealth in usage, being a core part of British military history. In American English, it would only be used in specific historical contexts.
Connotations
In British English: Respectful, commemorative, evoking sacrifice and the 'spirit of 1914'. In American English: A largely unknown historical term with neutral or learned connotations.
Frequency
Very rare in contemporary use outside historical texts, documentaries, and Remembrance Day commemorations in the UK. Virtually non-existent in general American discourse.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[The] Old Contemptibles + [past tense verb] (fought, endured, survived)[Noun] + of the Old Contemptibles (spirit, memory, association)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[not applicable for this proper historical noun]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
[Not applicable]
Academic
Used in historical papers, military history texts, and analyses of First World War propaganda and morale.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might be heard in conversations about Remembrance Sunday or family history related to WWI.
Technical
Used in regimental histories, museum exhibits, and by military historians to denote the pre-1915 regular British army in France and Flanders.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
American English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
adverb
British English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
American English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- [Not applicable as a standalone adjective]
American English
- [Not applicable as a standalone adjective]
Examples
By CEFR Level
- [Too low level for this historical term]
- We learned about the Old Contemptibles in our history lesson.
- The Old Contemptibles, though heavily outnumbered, performed a masterful fighting retreat from Mons.
- The sobriquet 'Old Contemptibles', derived from a supposed German insult, became a lasting symbol of the BEF's gritty professionalism in the face of catastrophe.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'OLD' soldiers who were called 'CONTEMPTIBLE' by the German Kaiser, but who proved him terribly wrong.
Conceptual Metaphor
A ROCK WITHSTANDING A TIDE (representing a small, steadfast group holding back a massive force).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate 'old' as 'старый' in a pejorative sense; here it means 'former, original'.
- Do not translate 'contemptibles' literally as 'презренные'; the term is a fixed historical nickname, not a description. Use the established historical term or explain it.
- Beware of misinterpreting the term as an insult; in context, it is a badge of honour.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a singular noun ('an old contemptible').
- Using it to refer to soldiers from later in the war.
- Misspelling as 'Old Contemptables'.
- Misunderstanding its positive, prideful connotation.
Practice
Quiz
What is the origin of the nickname 'Old Contemptibles'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The name originates from an order issued by Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany, which allegedly referred to the British Expeditionary Force as 'General French's contemptible little army'. The soldiers later proudly adopted the term 'Old Contemptibles'.
It refers specifically to the soldiers of the original British Expeditionary Force (BEF) that was sent to France in August 1914. These were long-service professional soldiers and reservists, not the volunteer 'New Army' raised later by Lord Kitchener.
It is used almost exclusively in historical, commemorative, and educational contexts. The last known veteran of the Old Contemptibles died in 2009. The term is kept alive through regimental associations and history books.
Yes, the source phrase was intended as a derogatory remark questioning the strength and significance of the British force. However, the British soldiers inverted its meaning, wearing it as a badge of honour and resilience, transforming an insult into a title of respect.