Pronunciation: [ɡɪ d͡ʒˈə͡ʊz] (IPA) 
The popular toy line "G.I. Joes" is often misspelled as "Gi Joes" due to confusion over the abbreviation "G.I." which stands for "Government Issue". The correct spelling is /dʒiː aɪ ˈdʒoʊz/ with the first two letters pronounced as the letter "J" and the short i sound. The plural form of "Joe" is spelled with an "s" at the end, not a "z". Despite the common misspelling, "G.I. Joes" remains a beloved toy of American culture.
Gi Joes refers to a line of action figures that are roughly 12 inches tall and are modeled after military personnel. These toys were initially introduced by the American toy company Hasbro in 1964, and are commonly associated with boys' toys and imaginative play. The name "Gi Joe" as a toy brand has become synonymous with military action figures, though it originally referred to a specific character within the line.
These action figures, also known as "action dolls," are designed with moveable joints and accessories that depict a detailed representation of military uniforms, equipment, and weapons. They provide children with a platform for creative storytelling and role-playing military scenarios. The figures are highly customizable and can be dressed in different uniforms, depicting various branches of the military, such as infantry, navy, air force, and special forces.
Gi Joes are often collectible items, and throughout its history, the line has included various characters, both fictional and based on real military personnel. Over time, different iterations and themed versions of Gi Joes have been released, catering to different interests and preferences. The popularity of Gi Joes as action figures has led to the creation of cartoons, comic books, and even movies centered around the characters.
In summary, Gi Joes refer to a line of military-themed action figures that have provided children with a means to engage in imaginative play and storytelling, depicting various military scenarios.
The word "GI Joes" is derived from "G.I. Joe", which refers to the eponymous action figure line produced by the American toy company, Hasbro. The term "G.I. Joe" itself has an interesting etymology.
During World War II, the term "Government Issue" (G.I.) was commonly used in the United States to describe items or supplies issued to military personnel. "G.I. Joe" initially referred to the average American soldier, as highlighted in the 1945 Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoon series titled "G.I. Joe" by cartoonist Dave Breger. The comic strip depicted the everyday life of G.I. Joe, the archetypal American soldier.
In the 1960s, Hasbro introduced the G.I. Joe action figure, representing various branches of the military as well as fictional characters.
