CANNON FODDER Meaning and
Definition
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Cannon fodder is a term primarily used in a military context to refer to soldiers or combatants who are regarded as expendable or of little value, and who are used as a means to achieve a strategic or tactical objective. The term is often used to describe those individuals who are placed deliberately in hazardous or high-risk situations, where their likelihood of survival is low or their purpose is solely to divert the enemy's fire and attention away from more valuable or elite troops.
The term originates from the historical practice of using large cannons during warfare. Cannon fodder referred to the soldiers who would be positioned in front of the cannons, typically in an offensive assault, in order to absorb the initial barrage of enemy fire or to potentially sacrifice themselves for the sake of the greater cause.
The concept of cannon fodder suggests a callous disregard for the lives of these individuals, as they are considered mere pawns in the larger military strategy. It implies that their individual worth or contribution to the overall war effort is minimal or insignificant, leading to their often dehumanized treatment.
In a broader sense, beyond military contexts, the term can also be used metaphorically to depict individuals who are perceived as being exploited or considered disposable by others for achieving personal or political goals, often with little consideration for their well-being or long-term consequences.
Common Misspellings for CANNON FODDER
- cannonfodder
- xannon fodder
- vannon fodder
- fannon fodder
- dannon fodder
- cznnon fodder
- csnnon fodder
- cwnnon fodder
- cqnnon fodder
- cabnon fodder
- camnon fodder
- cajnon fodder
- cahnon fodder
- canbon fodder
- canmon fodder
- canjon fodder
- canhon fodder
- cannin fodder
- cannkn fodder
- cannln fodder
Etymology of CANNON FODDER
The word "cannon fodder" derives from two separate words, "cannon" and "fodder", which were compounded to describe a specific concept.
"Cannon" refers to a large, heavy artillery piece used in warfare. The term comes from the Old Italian word "cannone", meaning "large tube" or "pipe". It entered English in the late 16th century.
"Fodder" originally meant food for livestock, specifically dried hay or straw. Its origins can be traced back to the Old English word "fōdrian", which meant "to feed" or "nourish". Over time, "fodder" also gained the extended meaning of "material that is used wastefully or only for a specific purpose".
Idioms with the word CANNON FODDER
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cannon fodder
Cannon fodder refers to individuals who are viewed as expendable or dispensable, typically used as a means to an end or for a specific purpose without regard for their well-being or safety. It is often used to describe soldiers or troops who are sent into battle with little consideration for their lives.
Similar spelling words for CANNON FODDER
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