Q – Who said, “It’s not what you look at that matters. It’s what you see.”?
Q – Who wrote the following lyrics?
How many roads must a man walk down
Before you call him a man?
Note to self/readers: No “caution” is needed for this particular post. However, in the “linked” pages that may or may not appear later in this post, the reader [Pay attention: this is the legal “disclaimer”] should be aware that there are three languages included: English, military, and Navy (or Army/USMC). The reader may find two of the three offensive.
I say that tongue-in-cheek, but in the military, our men and women have a certain language (or “lingo”) and a way of speaking their mind. Oh, you didn’t know that? However, once one leaves the service, much of that colorful language often continues to be a part of our daily lives.
With that tidbit of knowledge in mind, let me introduce you to a little bit of military “lingo.” Note that the Navy, Army, USMC, and USAF use many of the same terms and phrases, but since yours truly is a Navy veteran, I tend to use “Navy speak” more than the others.
Here are some of my favorites. My wife and kids are also familiar with these terms and, in some instances, I continue to hear these choice words. I’ve been asked not to teach this language to my grandkids (yet).
AWOL – “Absent Without Leave.”
Beat Feet – a phrase used to describe someone getting away quickly. “Let’s beat feet outta here before the Chief of the Boat comes back.”
Boats – A shortened nickname used to describe a sailor in the Boatswain’s Mate rating. Also, a term often used by veterans to call their children (or maybe that’s just me).
Boonies – a slang term used to describe remote, wild areas, jungles, or swampy areas.
Boot – a slang term for a new recruit. Also known as a “Cherry” or “New Meat.”
Brain Fart – a phrase used to describe a condition when, under stress, one cannot recall or perform something that would normally be easy or second nature. “Did you just have a brain fart when you walked in?”
Bummer – a term to describe bad luck. “The Gators lost again; bummer.”
CF – “Charlie Foxtrot.” I’ll just leave this for you to Google.
Chow – another term for a meal. “What time is chow?”
Cop out – a phrase used to describe when someone quits or backs out of an assignment.
Days and a Wake Up – a phrase used by short timers to describe how much time left before discharge. “I’ve got 10 days and a wake up.”
Deck – another term for the floor.
Decked out – a phrase used to describe someone who is all dressed up. “He’s really decked out for tonight’s party.”
Downer – a term used to describe a situation that is disappointing. “The Gators lost again.” That’s a downer.
Drag – a term used to describe a situation that is disappointing.
Five-finger discount – a phrase used to describe the cost for something that is acquired by theft.
Gedunk – refers to snack food, such as candy or chips, as well as the place they are sold: The Gedunk Shop.
Grunt – a U.S. infantryman, also known as a “Ground pounder.”
Gung ho – a phrase used to describe someone who is enthusiastic and ready to go. “He was all gung ho when he joined the Navy.”
Head – another term for a bathroom.
Hurry Up and Wait – a phrase used across all military branches to sarcastically describe the military’s propensity to perform tasks quickly, then sit idly by for long periods of time.
KP – “Kitchen Police.” A term used to describe duties in the galley, usually NOT cooking, but cleaning.
Lay it on me – a phrase meaning to speak your piece, tell me what’s on your mind. “I need someone to talk to.” “I’m here; lay it on me.”
Living the dream – a sarcastic phrase used when someone is asked how they are, they reply with this which sounds upbeat and a positive term, and they are actually miserable. “How are you doing today Mr. Jones?” “Living the dream, Sir!”
Make a Hole – a phrase used by all military branches to “suggest” to a group of people to get out of the way. In boot camp, we’d always say (out loud, but not shouting) “Make a hole, coming through.”
Marine Candy Bar – a derogatory phrase used by the Navy (I can’t see Marines using this term, unless it’s to describe a “Navy Candy Bar”) to describe a urinal cake.
Mid-rats – short for “MIDnight RATions.” On a ship, usually leftover lunch and dinner or a PB and J. Served after hours, around midnight.
NAVY – “Never Again Volunteer Yourself.”
Non-skid – A rough epoxy coating used for grip on a ship’s weather decks (including the flight deck of an aircraft carrier). Also, it’s another term for toilet paper.
Nut to butt – a phrase used to describe standing in line—usually at attention—close quarters, body to body, each man’s chest pressed to the back of the man ahead, or “nut to butt.”
O dark thirty – a phrase used to describe a time before pre-dawn, very early in the morning. Also, “Zero-dark thirty.”
Occifer – a derogatory term used to describe an officer.
Polish a turd – a phrase used to describe how to make the most of a bad situation.
Port – the ;eft side of the boat or ship (when facing the bow). It is also the left side of an aircraft when facing the nose from inside. Also a term for place of arrival for ships.
Pucker factor – A phrase used to describe the tension caused by high stress during a difficult or dangerous evolution. So named because your sphincter tends to tighten up, or “pucker” involuntarily, during such times. If you’ve ever been to the Chicago Sears Tower (now called the Willis Tower) and walked onto the Skydeck… on the 103rd floor… and looked down… the “pucker factor” is about a 9.0.
Scuttlebutt – a term used to describe rumors; also a term for a water fountain. “What’s the latest scuttlebutt.”
Skivvies – another term for underwear.
Sliders – a term used to describe hamburgers or cheeseburgers.
SOP – “Standard Operating Procedure.”
Sponge – a term used to describe a person who never contributes, but expects others to share.
Starboard – the right side of the boat or ship (when facing the bow). It is also the right side of an aircraft when facing the nose.
US ARMY – “Uncle Sam Ain’t Released Me Yet.”
USMC – “Uncle Sam’s Misguided Children.”
WTF – “Whiskey Tango Foxtrot.” Like “CF” (above), I’m just going to leave this one right here.
Now you know some of the more common Navy Lingo and Army/Marine Lingo terms and phrases. You are welcome.
Here’s a crowdsource question that you can help me out. In my upcoming book, NEVER FORGET, I use a few military words. And, those particular words, I with spell out or describe in the text. However, there are tons more military lingo. should I include a partial glossary (the terms I use in the book) or a complete glossary, similar to what’s on the website? Please give me your thoughts below. As always, I appreciate your thoughts and insights.
Until we meet again,
Andy
Andy Adkins is a US Navy veteran (’73-77) and the author of several books. His newest novel, NEVER FORGET, is the story of A Vietnam Veteran’s Journey for Redemption & Forgiveness. NEVER FORGET is FREE (eBook, PDF) for all veterans. Download your FREE copy HERE.
Answers:
- Henry David Thoreau
- Bob Dylan, Blowin in the Wind