Johnny Reb (Noun)
Meaning
`Johnny' was applied as a nickname for Confederate soldiers by the Federal soldiers in the American Civil War; `greyback' derived from their grey Confederate uniforms.
Classification
Nouns denoting people.
Usages
Examples
- During the American Civil War, Federal soldiers commonly referred to their Confederate counterparts as "Johnnies" in a somewhat derogatory manner, implying they were seen as inferior.
- In historical reenactments, it's not uncommon to see a Johnny Reb uniform alongside Union soldiers, showcasing the contrasting attire of the two opposing forces.
- In the 19th century, the term "Johnny Reb" emerged as a colloquial way to describe a Confederate soldier, derived from the nickname "Johnny" and "Reb," short for "Rebel."
- Historical accounts often depict Johnny Rebs as fierce defenders of the Confederacy, clad in their distinctive grey uniforms.
- The nickname "Johnny Reb" symbolized the perceived rural simplicity and stubborn resistance associated with Confederate troops, deeply engrained in the psyche of the Federal forces.