Cannon fodder
Cannon fodder: (German – Kanone Futter). German cavalry slang used contemptuously for infantrymen of the line. The term itself is said to have originated with Frederick the Great, in the same spirit. The French "Chair aux Canons" sometimes attributed to Napoleon. [1]
References / notes
- ↑ Edward Fraser and John Gibbons (1925). Soldier and Sailor Words and Phrases. Routledge, London p.46.
The above term is listed in our Compendium of the Great War on this day.
Included are trench slang, service terms, expressions in everyday use, nicknames, the titles and origins of British and Commonwealth Regiments, and warfare in general. These words and phrases are contemporary with the war, which is reflected in the language used. Sources include: Soldier and Sailor Words and Phrases, The War Book-of-Facts and Odhams' A.B.C. of the Great War. Feel free to expand upon and improve this content.