What was the nickname of Napoleon's Old Guard infantry?

Napoleon’s Old Guard infantry were nicknamed the Grognards, meaning “the Grumblers.”

The name referred especially to the veteran grenadiers of the Old Guard, the most prestigious infantry formation in Napoleon’s Imperial Guard. These soldiers had served through years of campaigning and were celebrated for their discipline, courage, and loyalty. Many had participated in numerous campaigns, making the Old Guard an elite force within an already elite organization.

The nickname came from their habit of complaining openly about hardships, rations, equipment, and military life. Their status gave them unusual freedom to grumble in front of Napoleon, behavior that could have brought punishment in an ordinary unit. “Grognard” is therefore a nickname based on personality and privilege, not an official regiment name.

Grenadiers and Chasseurs were genuine categories within the Imperial Guard, which makes them tempting answers. However, “Grenadiers” describes the principal infantry branch of the Old Guard, while “Grognards” is the famous collective nickname associated with its veteran soldiers. The Old Guard was also popularly called “the Immortals.”