General
pbi
What does pbi mean?
British/Commonwealth infantry's self-deprecating label. Stems from the bone-deep knowledge that whatever the plan is, the infantry walks it, digs it, holds it, and bleeds for it while everyone else gets a vehicle.
"Tankies get heaters, we get trench foot. Standard PBI."
Origin
British Army slang dating to WWI trench warfare, popularised by Bruce Bairnsfather cartoons.
Frequently asked questions
What does PBI mean?
PBI stands for Poor Bloody Infantry — a grunt's affectionate bit of self-pity about being the foot soldier who takes the worst of it.
How do you use PBI in a sentence?
"Spare a thought for the PBI slogging through the mud while everyone else rides."
Is PBI offensive?
No — it's self-deprecating soldier's humour, worn with pride rather than used as an insult.
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