Terms for Enemy and Former Enemy Troops

[Raellus]

Originally Posted by rcaf_777

Haji is actually a term for someone who has gone to Meca

Yes, I'm aware of this. Some NATO troops still use the term for Islamic insurgents in Iraq (and maybe Afghanistan).

I purposely ommitted derogatory terms for enemy soldiers based primarily on race/ethnicity. I think we've managed to keep the lid on that can of worms so far.

Ivans! I remembered that one as soon as I shut down last night after posting the thread starter. Ruskie was pretty common too.

I just thought of this one for non-Soviet Pact forces. I like it so much, though, I may use it for the Sovs as well.

Rusty! Rust is a shade of red (the symbolic color of Communism) and it is also evocative of decay and dimishing skills ("my Spanish is a bit rusty"). It is also a name/nickname in some parts of the States. So, it's kind of like Charlie. So, it's sort of familiar and still a bit pejorative. Soviets could be Reds and other Pact soldiers could be Rustys.

I know we have a military slang thread, but I would kind of like to include our own made up terms and acronyms as well. It would be cool to have a T2K "dictionary" made up of acronyms and idioms invented by forum members.