Jerry (ethnophaulism)
Jerry was an Anglo-Saxon nickname used for German soldiers, the German armed forces, or Germany as a whole during World War II . Although the name had already been used in World War I , it only really became popular later. Other common names were Fritz , Hun , Heini , Kraut and Boche .
The name Jerry is most likely based on an abbreviation from the word German based on the first name that sounds the same. The classic gasoline canister made of sheet metal is still called the Jerrycan today .
Analogous to Jerry soldiers from other powers were referred to as Tommy (British) or Iwan (Russian), as well as Charlie (Vietnamese) in the Vietnam War .
Individual evidence
- ↑ Jerry , uses of the word Jerry at etymonline.com.
- ↑ World War I slang on firstworldwar.com.