Soldier's slang
Read this letter, which contains the sort of language soldiers used on Gallipoli. There is a list of slang terms which will help you to work out what Bert means. Try to work out the meaning before you use the list! Do you think this soldier would understand the slang that you use today? Think of words that you use that he would not understand, such as "cool".
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When you have worked out what the soldier meant in the extract above, try writing your own letter, using current slang. Do you think your grandparents would understand what you have written? Do you think your future grandchildren will? What does this tell you about the nature of slang?
Some more Gallipoli slang:
body snatcher | member of a raiding party |
gay | whisky |
knock | wound |
lucifer | match |
wind-up |
fright |
would-to-Godder | a civilian who "would to God" he could go off to the war |