A typical doughboy during World War I. The term doughboy referred to a Soldier, specifically an infantryman. The term was widely used in World War I and saw some use in World War II, but by 1943 it had been largely replaced by “GI”. Doughboy originated in 1846-48, during the Mexican-American War and was used in the Civil War. Its origins are uncertain, but have been attributed to white dust collected on the uniforms of marching infantry, fried dough dumplings that Soldiers ate, white pipe clay used to whiten belts, and the rounded shape of uniform buttons. (Photo courtesy Army Reserve History Office)