grognard
Napoleon's seasoned soldier
A grognard is a devoted fan of wargames, particularly complex historical simulations with detailed rules and hexagonal maps.
The word is French for "grumbler" and originally described Napoleon's veteran soldiers.
In gaming, it carries affection and mild self-deprecation—grognards embrace the complexity others find tedious: The grognards spent six hours on a single battle scenario.
The term extends to any longtime enthusiast resistant to simplified versions of their hobby.
One who voices dissatisfaction
- grumblerHabitual fault-finder
- curmudgeonIll-tempered, stubborn person
- criticOne who judges merit
- naysayerHabitual dissenter
gatekeeping · nostalgia · nitpicker · faultfinder · skeptic · cantankerous · opinionated · resistant
Stubbornly committed supporter
- stalwartUnwavering loyal supporter
- traditionalistAdherent to established customs
- puristOne demanding strict adherence
- veteranExperienced former soldier
original · founding · loyalist · hardcore · dedicated · experienced · seasoned · elder
French emperor, military genius
- grenadierElite explosive-hurling soldier
- AusterlitzDecisive Napoleonic victory site
- WaterlooCrushing, decisive defeat
- Grande ArméeNapoleon's principal army
Imperial Guard · bearskin · musket · Bonapartist · French · conscript · campaign · peninsular
Simulated military conflict
- tabletopHorizontal furniture surface
- miniaturesTiny representations of larger things
- NapoleonicOf the French emperor
- cardboardRigid paper for containers
chit · scenario · rulebook · errata · campaign · historical · simulation · playtest
complainer
One who voices dissatisfaction
- grumblerHabitual fault-finder
- curmudgeonIll-tempered, stubborn person
- criticOne who judges merit
naysayer · gatekeeping · nostalgia · nitpicker · faultfinder · skeptic · cantankerous · opinionated · resistant · orthodox
diehard
Stubbornly committed supporter
- stalwartUnwavering loyal supporter
- traditionalistAdherent to established customs
- puristOne demanding strict adherence
veteran · original · founding · loyalist · hardcore · dedicated · experienced · seasoned · elder · establishment
Napoleon
French emperor, military genius
- grenadierElite explosive-hurling soldier
- AusterlitzDecisive Napoleonic victory site
- WaterlooCrushing, decisive defeat
Imperial Guard · Grande Armée · bearskin · musket · Bonapartist · French · conscript · campaign · peninsular · marshal
wargame
Simulated military conflict
- tabletopHorizontal furniture surface
- miniaturesTiny representations of larger things
- NapoleonicOf the French emperor
cardboard · chit · scenario · rulebook · errata · campaign · historical · simulation · playtest · ASL
grognardrecruit
New member sought
novice · newbie · rookie · greenhorn · raw recruit
grognardcasual
Relaxed and informal
dilettante · dabbler · hobbyist · weekend warrior · fair-weather fan