Dud

Dud: A shell that falls blind, and fails to burst. Also, used for anything that fails. Used of a man; worthless, incompetent, stupid. A “dud affair,” and action that failed. The word is of pre-war origin in commercial circles (e.g., “A dud cheque”). Probably of American origin.

See also Stumer.

References / notes

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.

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