Neutral/General:
* Tommy: This is the most common and widely understood slang term, dating back to the Boer War. It's generally considered neutral and not offensive.
* Jock: This term is often used for Scottish soldiers, but can also be used more broadly for any British soldier. It can be considered a bit more informal than "Tommy."
* The lads/girls: A casual way to refer to a group of soldiers, often used by soldiers themselves.
More Informal/Informal:
* Digger: This term is primarily used for soldiers of the Australian Army, but it can sometimes be used as a more informal alternative to "Tommy" for British soldiers.
* Redcoat: A historical term for British soldiers, often used in a humorous or satirical context.
* Squaddie: A more casual term for a soldier, commonly used in the UK.
Offensive:
* Limey: This term is considered offensive and derogatory by many British people. It originated from the British practice of carrying limes on ships to prevent scurvy.
* Brit: While not technically offensive, this term can be used in a dismissive or derogatory way, especially in the context of war.
It's important to be aware of the potential offensiveness of certain slang terms and choose your words carefully. If you're unsure, it's always best to err on the side of caution and use a more neutral term like "soldier" or "serviceman/woman."