Digger: An Australian; also a New Zealander. The name originated for Australians in the old gold-mining days, at the "diggings," and for New Zealanders among the "gum-diggers." In the War, it applied both to Australians and New Zealanders, and considered a title of distinction in both cases. Australians specially claimed it for their trench work at Gallipoli, and New Zealanders for the work of the NZ Tunnelling Company on the Western Front. "Digger" in the War was a common term of greeting among Australian troops, equivalent to "chum" and eventually displacing "Cobber." It was often also heard among British troops in the same sense.[1]
References / notes
- ↑ Edward Fraser and John Gibbons (1925). Soldier and Sailor Words and Phrases. Routledge, London p.77.
Glossary of words and phrases
The above term is listed in our glossary of words and phrases of the Armed Forces of Great Britain during the Great War. 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 to the war, which is reflected in the language used. They have been transcribed from three primary sources (see Contents). Feel free to expand upon and improve this content.
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