Infantry

/ˈɪnfəntri/ noun

Definition

soldiers who fight on foot

Etymology

from Italian infanteria, from infante 'foot soldier'

Kelly Says

Infantry: the foot soldiers who infant-ry hard!

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Infantry roles were legally/culturally restricted to men for centuries, embedding masculine identity into combat terminology. Language still carries assumptions about who 'infantrymen' are.

Inclusive Usage

Use 'infantry soldier' or 'infantry personnel' to center role over gender; acknowledge women serve in these roles equally.

Inclusive Alternatives

["infantry soldier","infantry personnel","soldier"]

Empowerment Note

Women infantry soldiers fought exclusionary policies; language should reflect their equal service and capability.

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