Talk:GI (military)
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The origins of the use of "G.I." for US servicemembers does not trace back to the phrase "government issue". It actually traces back to "galvanized iron", the initials of which were stamped on trash cans used up through WWII. The phrase moved to a verb as in "to G.I. the barracks" meaning to clean it thoroughly prior to an inspection. From there, it migrated back to an adjective applied to servicemen.
The initials have been mistaken for government issue. This can be demonstrated as a mistake because no other equipment was stamped or marked G.I. This has been extensively discussed and sourced over at the Wiktionary definition of G.I.
As far as I know, the second paragraph of this page is correct. Rossami (talk) 17:58, 10 May 2006 (UTC)
[edit] General Infantry?
From all I've ever heard, GI stands for general infantry. I'm pretty sure I wasn't playing with Government-Issue-Joe Action Figures as a child.
No, but I bet you didn't play with General-Infantry-Joes either. You DID play with G.I. Joes, though, and that stands approximately for your everyday soldier of the era, be him Government Issued or just General Infantry. Dabizi
[edit] Slang?
'In the United Kingdom and Commonwealth, government issue still holds its original meaning as clothing, rations, weapons, furniture, office supplies and other equipment provided as standard to military personnel or civil servants. It may also be used as derogative slang, as in "I have a government issue wristwatch", meaning that there is nothing remarkable about the wristwatch.'
There is simply no evidence of this phrase being used as slang in the UK. While it may be used in the Armed forces to suggest an item is overtly generic, this does not amount to UK slang.
