What did the Vietnamese call American soldiers?

Decoding the Cats: The Covert Language of Vietnamese Slang for American Soldiers

During the tumultuous years of the Vietnam War, a hidden lexicon emerged among the Vietnamese people, a language of slang that veiled their true sentiments towards the American soldiers who occupied their land. Far from the sterile terms of official discourse, these nicknames brimmed with a mix of wit, defiance, and respect.

One of the most prevalent monikers was “Mèo” or “A Mèo,” mimicking the Vietnamese word for “cat.” This seemingly innocuous term underwent a subtle transformation, morphing into the more evocative “Mèo Hoang,” or “Wild Cat.” This nomenclature aptly captured the stealth and elusive nature of the American soldiers, who often prowled the countryside in search of Viet Cong insurgents.

Beyond the playful similarity to feline characteristics, the term “Mèo Hoang” carried a deeper symbolism. Cats are often associated with cunning and independence, traits that some Vietnamese perceived in their American adversaries. The nickname served as both a playful jab and a grudging acknowledgment of their adversaries’ skills.

Other slang terms for American soldiers were less flattering. “Thằng Bạo Chúa” (“Barbarian”) reflected the perceived arrogance and brutality of some US troops. “Con Ma” (“Ghost”) alluded to their ethereal presence, seemingly appearing and disappearing at will. And “Con Khuyển” (“Dog”) harked back to the colonial era, when foreign invaders were often referred to as “hounds.”

These nicknames were not just harmless labels; they reflected the complex emotions of the Vietnamese people towards the Americans. They encapsulated a mixture of respect, fear, and resentment. They were a way to subvert authority, to assert a sense of national identity, and to process the trauma of war.

As the conflict raged on, the slang lexicon continued to evolve, incorporating terms like “Đại Bàng” (“Eagle”) and “Cá Mập” (“Shark”), which symbolized the aerial and naval prowess of the Americans. Some nicknames even took on a more affectionate or humorous tone, such as “Chú Sam” (“Uncle Sam”), acknowledging the perceived paternalistic nature of US foreign policy.

The slang used by the Vietnamese people during the Vietnam War served as a powerful form of resistance and self-expression. It was a way to reclaim their voice, to assert their independence, and to cope with the horrors of war. Today, these nicknames continue to hold cultural significance, reminding us of the hidden and often overlooked stories of those who lived through one of the most tumultuous chapters in human history.