How Do You Spell POILU?

Pronunciation: [pˈɔ͡ɪluː] (IPA)

The word "poilu" is a French term that refers to the soldiers who fought in World War I. The pronunciation of "poilu" is /pwaly/. The spelling of the word can be confusing, as the combination of letters "oi" actually produces a sound similar to "wah". This is because the "oi" combination in French is often pronounced as a single syllable, with the "o" sounding more like "oh" and the "i" serving as a sort of glide or transition between the two vowel sounds.

POILU Meaning and Definition

1. The term "poilu" is a noun that originated in France, particularly during World War I. It refers to a French infantry soldier, specifically a foot soldier who fought in the trenches during this war.

   Etymologically, the word "poilu" is derived from the French word "poil," meaning "hair." It was used in reference to the scruffy appearance of these soldiers, as they often had unkempt facial hair and were known for their ruggedness and resilience. The term became popularized during the war, primarily to describe the French soldiers who endured the harsh conditions and brutal fighting on the Western Front.

   "Poilu" can be used descriptively, not only to refer to the soldiers themselves but also to evoke specific qualities associated with them. It symbolizes the bravery, fortitude, and endurance exemplified by these men in the face of adversity.

   The "poilu" played a significant role in shaping French history and identity, as their sacrifices and determination came to be seen as emblematic of the nation as a whole. Their experiences on the battlefield and the collective memory of their struggles have since become an integral part of French culture and remembrance.

   In contemporary usage, "poilu" is still employed to reference these soldiers, though it is mostly found in historical contexts or discussions about World War I. The term serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the "poilus" and their enduring legacy in French history.

Common Misspellings for POILU

• ooilu
• loilu
• 0oilu
• piilu
• pkilu
• plilu
• ppilu
• p0ilu
• p9ilu
• poulu
• pojlu
• poklu
• poolu
• po9lu
• po8lu
• poiku
• poilj
• poiluj
• opilu
• poilq

Etymology of POILU

The word "poilu" is derived from the French term "pilus", which means "hair" or "body hair". It gained prominence during World War I as a colloquial name for French soldiers serving on the front lines of the war. The soldiers, known as "poilus", were referred to as such due to their unkempt and unshaven appearance, as maintaining personal hygiene and shaving were challenging in the trenches. The term "poilu" became associated with the valor and resilience displayed by these soldiers during the war and is now commonly used to refer to the French soldiers of that era.

Similar spelling words for POILU

• pool,
• Poli,
• pole,
• pol,
• Powel,
• powell,
• Poley,
• Polly,
• powley,
• polo,
• pooley,
• Polley,
• polio,
• Polowy,
• POOLE,
• poll,
• POHL.

Plural form of POILU is POILUS