US troops called the locals ’Haji’s" after the johnny quest character. Thing is the locals took it as a compliment, saying they had taken the Haj the holy pilgrimage which took all the fun out of the insult for the troops.
As I recall, the term was “Haji”, which I think was from “Jihadi,” spelled sideways.
Since they often called themselves Jihadis, it wasn’t originally derogatory. But of course, in war, the term for your enemies doesn’t stay neutral for long. It came to mean something like “immoral, evil person with enthusiasm who can’t aim”. A longer version would include no regard for anyone’s life.
From time immemorial, soldiers have always tried to dehumanize the enemy. This always included giving the derogatory, demeaning names.
Sometimes that slur becomes a badge of honor.
The term Yankee has dubious origins but was probably derived from a name Dutch settlers in New York applied to their English colonialist neighbors in Connecticut around 1683. The Dutch word Janke literally “Little John”. ( No need to go further with that inference )
The British derisively called the colonial Americans, Yankee Doodles and the song of the same name was sung by the British troops to portray their enemies as dumb, country bumpkins.By World War I the British were celebrating the arrival of the Yanks in Europe. The same in World War II.
While we’ve been also heard, all over the world : “Yankees Go Home”, Americans have proudly adopted and answered to that appellation as a badge of national identity.
BE THIS GUY over 5 years ago
Do they look like a “Ralph” to you?
Adiraiju over 5 years ago
Wait ‘til they start shooting. You’ll think up some names quick. None that can be featured in a newspaper comic strip, but…
Argythree over 5 years ago
They used to be called “Vlad”. Not anymore, though…
Randallw over 5 years ago
Abdul, or Osama, or is that a bit premature?
Wizard of Ahz-no relation over 5 years ago
US troops called the locals ’Haji’s" after the johnny quest character. Thing is the locals took it as a compliment, saying they had taken the Haj the holy pilgrimage which took all the fun out of the insult for the troops.
kimodb Premium Member over 5 years ago
Keep working on them, B.D…
jeffiekins over 5 years ago
As I recall, the term was “Haji”, which I think was from “Jihadi,” spelled sideways.
Since they often called themselves Jihadis, it wasn’t originally derogatory. But of course, in war, the term for your enemies doesn’t stay neutral for long. It came to mean something like “immoral, evil person with enthusiasm who can’t aim”. A longer version would include no regard for anyone’s life.
John Leonard Premium Member over 5 years ago
Rather prescient, considering.
Army_Nurse over 5 years ago
Nice word, prescient.
Diat60 over 5 years ago
It’s been said before, but if the politicians want to have a war, then let the politicians go fight it.
Linguist over 5 years ago
From time immemorial, soldiers have always tried to dehumanize the enemy. This always included giving the derogatory, demeaning names.
Sometimes that slur becomes a badge of honor.
The term Yankee has dubious origins but was probably derived from a name Dutch settlers in New York applied to their English colonialist neighbors in Connecticut around 1683. The Dutch word Janke literally “Little John”. ( No need to go further with that inference )
The British derisively called the colonial Americans, Yankee Doodles and the song of the same name was sung by the British troops to portray their enemies as dumb, country bumpkins.By World War I the British were celebrating the arrival of the Yanks in Europe. The same in World War II.
While we’ve been also heard, all over the world : “Yankees Go Home”, Americans have proudly adopted and answered to that appellation as a badge of national identity.
Honorable Mention In The Banjo Toss Premium Member over 5 years ago
The term “gringo” comes from the Mexican troops having heard the American troops singing "Green Grows the Grass of Home.
ChessPirate over 5 years ago
How about Phred? ☺
Night-Gaunt49[Bozo is Boffo] over 5 years ago
“Greaser” comes from the Mexicans boiling bones and hide of cows and getting a greasy covering from it.
bakana over 5 years ago
Some very Harsh truths being spoken by BD.