Kraut is a German word recorded in English from 1918 onwards as an ethnic slur for a German, particularly a German soldier during World War I and World War II. [1] [2] Its earlier meaning in English was as a synonym for sauerkraut, a traditional Central and Eastern European food. [3]

Italian soldiers invented this word during World War I when they captured some hungry Austrian-Croatian and Austrian-Slovenian soldiers who asked for "kruh". Later, during World War II, and still today, applied to all German-speaking people.

Jun 3, 2010 · In World War II, the United States used this word more than British did. It was believed that sauerkraut was eaten by Germans and this was mostly represented in various books. Krautrock is a famous form of German post- Prog Rock in 1960s and 70s.

Oct 25, 2019 · The simple reason is that this is the name American and British soldiers gave to German soldiers during World War I and World War II. Following this era, the word Kraut continued to be used as an offensive term for a German person.

Feb 6, 2025 · Since World War II, Kraut has, in the English language, come to be used as a derogatory term for a German. This is probably based on sauerkraut, which was very popular in German cuisine at that time.

Apr 4, 2025 · n. slang, derogatory the individual German combatant and the German armed forces collectively, particularly during World War II. supposedly derived from the frequency and gusto with which the German soldier consumed sauerkraut.

Jun 20, 2024 · The slang terms used for German soldiers by English-speaking Allied soldiers during World War II were “Jerries” and “Krauts.” What nickname did the Germans give the Marines? The Germans referred to the Marines as “Devil Dogs.”

Kraut is a German word recorded in English from 1918 onwards as an ethnic slur for a German, particularly a German soldier during World War I and World War II. Its earlier meaning in English was as a synonym for sauerkraut, a traditional Central and Eastern European food.

Jan 2, 2025 · From German Kraut (“ cabbage ”), alluding to the use of cabbage as an ingredient in German cuisine (namely sauerkraut). First use appears c. 1833-1837, but popularized during the First and Second World Wars.

Feb 27, 2018 · Kraut (meaning a German) dates from the mid-19th century and was used frequently in both WW1 and WW2. Boche seems to have first appeared in 1914 and was also used in both wars; Bosche and Bosch are alternative spellings.