Tommy

Definition

Ellipsis of Tommy Atkins, a typical private in the British army; a British soldier.

Etymology

From Tom + -y.

Example Sentences

• "Then it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Tommy, 'ow's yer soul?" But it's "Thin red line of 'eroes" when the drums begin to roll"
• "And every night now he played pontoon, that game of the Tommies, with Mrs Bolton, gambling with sixpences."
• "Meanwhile the Tommies had discovered several large tins of ham in the captured lorry. 'That,' said the big Nazi, 'is for our tea.' 'No,' said a Tommy sergeant-major. 'That's for our tea. For you, chummy, we've kept a nice bit of bull.'"