tommy

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A British infantryman, especially one from World War I. Ellipsis of Tommy Atkins.

Register: slang

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Bread or breadlike foodstuff, generally a penny roll.

Register: slang

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

The supply of food carried by workmen as their daily allowance.

Register: slang

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “tommy” mean?

A British infantryman, especially one from World War I. Ellipsis of Tommy Atkins.

Is “tommy” formal or informal?

tommy is generally slang.