S
SERVICES
SERVICES - adjectives
• ADDRESSED TO of a missile, esp. a shell: aimed at ...1915 military sl.
• ARMY-BARMY very keen on or dedicated to military life in all its aspects ...c1955 army sl.
• ATE UP 1. in the US Air Force: dedicated to service ...1998 US sl.
2. in the US Army: confused, dim ...1998 US sl.
• BADGY of an enlistee: underage ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BALL-BEARING of a man: performing duties typically performed by a woman, as typing, etc ...a1945 US sl., esp. military usage
• BAPTIZED BY FIRE to have been under enemy fire for the first time; to have received one’s first wounds ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BIVOUCKY nuts from manoeuvres ...Bk1944 service sl.
• BLOODED said of a person or unit that saw combat ...Amer. World War I sl.
• BOBTAILED dishonourably discharged ...Amer. World War I sl.
• BRED TO ARMS brought up and educated for the life of a soldier ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BUSTED reduced in rank ...Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
• CHAIRBORNE sedentary; assigned to rear-echelon clerical or administrative duty ...1943 US military sl.
• FAT of a military unit: over-staffed ...1977 US Vietnam war usage
• GROSS clumsy or awkward in drill; stupid ...1833 US Military Academy usage
• HANDSOME † of military exploits: soldierly, gallant, brave, admirable ...1665 obs. or arch.
• HAZE GRAY navy ...1971 Amer. Navy sl.
• HORSESHIT in the military: overly concerned with the enforcement of petty regulations ...1959 US military usage
• HOT having a high security classification ...1956 USAF usage
• KICKED dishonourably discharged ...Amer. World War I sl.
• MAIN † of any army or multitude: great in numbers, numerous; powerful in arms ...a1400-50
• MARRIED TO BROWN BESS enlisted ...L18 Brit. military sl.
• MASTERING † of an army, a garrison: superior in force ...1711
• NAVIGABLE †* maritime; naval ...1642
• ON THE DAGS on furlough ...L19 Royal Navy sl.
• OUTSIDE out of the services ...L19 sl.
• OVER THE SIDE engaged in private business or sexual liaisons during duty hours ...1970 UK sl., orig. navy
• QUIMP unsoldierly; slack ...Amer. World War I sl.
• RAFFISH connected with the Royal Aircraft Factory ...1915 Air Force usage
• RASCAL † of soldiers: common, private ...1578
• ROCK-HAPPY mentally unhinged from serving too long on a (Pacific) island ...1946 US services' sl.
• SILVER-COOPED of a naval seaman: deserting for the merchant service ...L18 nautical colloq.
• STRATIOTIC † warlike; military; pertaining to war ...1656
• STRATOCRATIC pert. to stratocracy (see nouns) ...M19
• TACTIC † pert. to military or naval tactics; tactical ...1604
• UNFRAGGED not listed on the daily frag order specifying the military objectives of the day ...1986 Vietnam war usage
• VELITARY † pert. to or characteristic of light-armed troops ...1600
• WAGEABLE † that may be hired for military service, mercenary ...1614
• WAGED † of soldiers: mercenary ...c1440
• WARFARING waging war; taking part in war; militant ...1549
• WAR-HABLE † fit for war; of military age ...1590
SERVICES - nouns
• A AND A in the military: a leave for rest and recreation (Ass and Alcohol) ...1966 US sl.
• ALUMINUM WOMB the US Air Force Academy ...1965 US Air Force usage
• AMBUSH ALLEY a stretch of road made treacherous by enemy fire ...1952 US Military usage
• ANCHOR-CHAIN LIBERTY unauthorized liberty; absence without leave ...1952 Amer. navy sl.
• ANDREW, THE the Royal Navy ...1867 sl.
• ANGEL CAKE hardtack ...1963 Amer. military sl., now hist.
• ANGEL CAKE AND WINE bread and water in confinement ...Bk1944 service sl.
• ANGEL FOOD hardtack ...1899 US military, jocular
• ANGEL’S SCREAM a bugle call ...World War II Amer. sl.
• ANGEL’S WHISPER a bugle call ...World War II Amer. sl.
• ANGEL TRACK an armored personnel carrier used as a field ambulance ...1971 US Marine Corps usage
• ARMOR the steel helmet ...Bk1944 service sl.
• ARMY BIBLE army regulations ...Bk1944 service sl.
• ARTY artillery ...1864 US military sl.
• ASH-AND-TRASH cargo flown on military aircraft; hence a routine supply flight ...1983 US military sl.
• ASHCAN a heavy artillery shell ...1918 US army sl.
• ASPARAGUS an anti-tank obstacle consisting of an array of strong metal bars set in concrete at an angle of 45 degrees ...1939 Brit. sl.
• ASPARAGUS-BED n. an anti-tank obstacle consisting of an array of strong metal bars set in concrete at an angle of 45 degrees ...1939 Brit. sl.
• ASS-AND-TRASH personnel and equipment flown by military aircraft ...1983 US military sl.
• AWKWARD SQUAD where backward rookies receive elementary instruction ...Bk1944 service sl.
• BABY CARRIAGE, THE machine gun cart ...Bk1944 service sl.
• BABYSITTER in a fleet: a destroyer accompanying an aircraft carrier ...1965 US sl.
• BACK-DOOR FURLOUGH absence without leave; a desertion ...1927 US military sl.
• BAD PAPER in the military: any discharge other than an honourable discharge ...1971 US sl.
• BANTAM a jeep ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BAPTISM OF FIRE a soldier's first experience 'under fire' in battle ...1881
• BARBWIRE GARTERS a mythical award for those who got no special honours or decorations ...Amer. World War I sl.
• BARNAGE † a military company, army, followers ...1790 Sc.
• BARRACK † a temporary hut or cabin, as for the use of soldiers during a siege, etc. ...1686 obs. exc. N. Eng. dial.
• BARRACKS 13 the guardhouse ...Bk1944 service sl.
• BARRACKS FATIGUE a loafing in quarters ...Bk1944 service sl.
• BASTIMENT † military supplies, stores, provisions ...1598
• BATTLE BREAKFAST steak and eggs ...World War II Amer. Navy sl.
• BEARDED LADY a searchlight that diffuses ...Bk1944 service sl.
• BED OF HONOUR the grave of a soldier who has died on the field of battle ...1663
• BEEP a jeep ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BEHAVIOR REPORT a letter home from a military recruit to his girlfriend ...1945 US sl.
• BENEFIT any hardship or unpleasant feature of army life; used with obvious irony ...1968 US sl.
• BENNY a break in formation during which a soldier can rest or smoke ...Bk1944 service sl.
• B.G. before girls enlisted and complicated the army ...Bk1944 service sl.
• BIBLE the Army Field Manual ...Bk1944 service sl.
• BIG BERTHA 1. a German long-range gun of the heaviest calibre; broadly, a heavy artillery piece ...1914 military usage
2. a heavy artillery shell fired by a Big Bertha gun ...1915
• BIG BOY n. a heavy artillery piece, shell, bomber, tank, etc. ...1917 US military usage
• BIG BULLET an air-launched guided missile ...1985 US military usage
• BIG SET-TO a major engagement ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BIG SHOW a major engagement ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BIG STICK military power ...Spanish-American War era
• BIG TICKET an honourable discharge from military service ...US Civil War usage
• BIVVY a small tent or any temporary shelter for troops ...1916 sl.
• BIVY a small tent or any temporary shelter for troops ...1916 sl.
• BLACK GANG the engineer's force ...Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
• BLACK HAWK army necktie ...Bk1944 service sl.
• BLACK WEDNESDAY rifle calisthenics ...Bk1944 service sl.
• BLANKET PARTY a form of retribution in which a soldier is surprised, covered with a blanket, and beaten ...a1969 Amer. military sl.
• BLITZ BUGGY a reconnaissance car, esp. a midget truck manufactured by the Ford Motor Company for the Army ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BLITZES air patrols ...Bk1944 service sl.
• BLITZKRIEG written order from the commanding officer ...Bk1944 service sl.
• BLITZKRIEG RATING a promotion due to sudden expanse of the army ...Bk1944 service sl.
• BLITZ WAGON a staff car ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BLOOD AND IRON military force as distinguished from diplomacy ...1872
• BLOOD-TAX (derogatory) military conscription ...1890
• BLOWING SMOKE trying to impress an officer ...Bk1944 service sl.
• BLUE, THE the North and its army ...US Civil War usage
• BLUE AND THE GRAY, THE the armies of the North and the South ...US Civil War usage
• BLUE JOB the Navy ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BOAR'S NEST an untidy bunk and bunk area ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BOB TAIL a dishonourable discharge ...Bk1944 service sl.
• BOGGIES wheels on 3 inch anti-aircraft gun ...Bk1944 service sl.
• BOOB SQUAD a squad of newly recruited soldiers ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BOOT basic training received in a boot camp ...1944 US sl.
• BOOT CAMP a centre for the initial training of US naval or Marine recruits ...1916 US sl.
• BOX SCORE the number of dead, wounded, missing etc. ...1951 Amer. military sl.
• BRAIN GANG the staff of general headquarters ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BRAIN TRUST a group of highly qualified military advisors ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BRASS LIP ECHO a bugle call ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BROWN JOB a soldier; hence, collectively, the army ...1943 sl., orig. Royal Air Force usage
• BRUSH-OFF CLUB men in the armed forces who have been dumped by their girlfriends ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BUG an Army supply truck ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BULL-RING a military training ground ...1899 sl.
• BUNION BREEDERS infantry ...Bk1944 Amer. services sl.
• BUTTERBAR one of the two gold bars that are the insignia of the rank of second lieutenant ...1983 US military sl.
• BUTTERNUT a soldier or civilian of the Confederate States; a Southerner ...1862 US Army sl.
• BUZZARD 1. a military discharge certificate ...1888 Amer. military usage
2. the eagle worn as insignia by a colonel or naval captain ...1930s US military usage
• BUZZARD DETAIL a graves-registration detail ...1948 Amer. army usage
• BUZZER a military discharge certificate ...1918 Amer. army usage
• CAB a destroyer commanding officer's term for his ship ...WWII Royal Navy
• CABIN fourteen days confinement to the ship's cells ...L19 Royal Navy usage
• CADILLAC the US Army M-1 tank ...1991 US sl.
• CALICO ROW married quarters ...1893 US Army sl.
• CAMEL CORPS, THE the infantry ...1915 military jocular
• CAMPANIA † operations of an army in the field during a season ...1679
• CANNON FODDER n. soldiers, regarded as food for cannon ...Amer. World War I sl.
• CANOE COLLEGE, THE the US Naval Academy ...1969 US Navy sl.
• CANOE U. the US Naval Academy ...1963 US military sl.
• CANTEEN MEDAL a good conduct stripe for the consumption of liquor ...Bk1891 military sl.
• CASSATION † dismissal of a soldier; cashiering ...1602
• CATTLE BOAT a troop transport ship ...1944 US military sl.
• C.G.I. a strong desire to throw oneself upon the ship's deck during a dive-bombing attack (Corticene-Grabber's Itch) ...1940 Royal Aust. Navy usage
• CHARLEY an infantryman's pack ...20C army sl.
• CHARLIE an infantryman's pack ...20C army sl.
• CHEST HARDWARE military medals ...World War II US Armed Forces usage
• CHICKEN insignia of a US Army colonel or a US Navy captain: used disparagingly ..World War II US sl.
• CHICKEN MONEY the pay of an enlisted man when retired ...Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
• CHINESE GANGWAY (usually offensive) in the navy: the bringing of a vessel alongside bow-to-stern or down-current ...1951 Amer. navy sl.
• CHINESE LANDING in the navy: the bringing of a vessel alongside bow-to-stern or down-current ...1949 Amer. navy sl.
• CHINESE SHOW (usually offensive) a diversionary demonstration or attack ...1918 Amer. army sl.
• CHOGGY SHOP a shop catering to the needs of servicemen and women ...1995 UK military sl.
• CHUFF FACTOR, THE the degree of a soldier's acceptance, contentment, eagerness ...World War II sl.
• CORTICENE-GRABBER'S ITCH a strong desire to throw oneself upon the ship's deck during a dive-bombing attack ...1940 Royal Aust. Navy usage
• COSTUME JEWELRY an officer's insignia ...World War II Amer. sl.
• CROW the eagle on petty officers' sleeves ...Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
• CROW TRACKS chevrons ...US army usage
• CRUSH a body of troops or a unit of a regiment ...1916 military sl.
• DACHAU any military stockade ...1968 US Vietnam War usage
• DAD'S ARMY the Home Guard (1940-1945); hence, any grouping of older men with a united purpose; gently derogatory...1968 UK sl.
• DAFT AND BARMY the army ...1960s UK rhyming sl.
• DAILY EYE-WASH an official army communiqué ...World War I services' usage
• DAISY-CUTTER a perfect landing ...c1930 Royal Air Force usage
• DAMN-DAMN in Vietnam: bombardment, gunfire ...1982 US military usage
• DAVY CROCKETT a draft board official during World War II ...1940s US Black sl.
• DAY'S PACK, THE defaulter's punishment ...20C military sl.
• DEAD PAY † pay continued to a soldier, etc. no longer in active service; a soldier receiving such pay ...1585
• DEVIL'S VOICE a bugle call ...World War II Amer. sl.
• DINGLEBERRY a military decoration ...1953 US sl.
• DOGFIGHT a fight between two or more airplanes ...World War II Amer. sl.
• DOG-ROBBERS civilian clothes worn by a naval officer on shore leave ...1898 sl.
• DOG SHOW foot inspection ...World War II Amer. sl.
• DOGS OF WAR 1. artillery ...World War II Amer. sl.
2. bombers ...World War II Amer. sl.
3. warships ...World War II Amer. sl.
• DOODLEBUG a light tank ...World War II Amer. sl.
• EAGLE in the military: a discharge certificate ...1864 Amer. sl.
• EAGLE DAY payday ...1941 Amer. sl.
• EAGLE SHIT 1. government wages ...1980 US military usage
2. the gold ornamentation on the visor of a senior officer's cap ...1986 US military usage
• EAR a listening device; a bug; also, interception radar or sonar ...1934 US military usage
• EARLY OUT a separation from the armed forces that is earlier than anticipated ...1991 US sl.
• ELEPHANT a dug-out with a semi-circular corrugated-iron lining ...1917 Brit. sl.
• ELEPHANT DUG-OUT a dug-out with a semi-circular corrugated-iron lining ...1917 Brit. sl.
• ELEPHANTRY troops mounted on elephants ...1747
• ERK a naval rating ...1925 Brit. sl.
• FACES AND SPACES joint consideration of equipment and personnel for the field and non-field positions ...1986 US military usage
• FAMILY PRAYERS the daily staff conference at Headquarters ...World War II British army usage
• FANTERIE † infantry ...1601
• FARDAGE † the impedimenta of any army, baggage ...1578
• FEATS OF WAR † military duties or exercises ...1511-2
• FIRING LINE the army ...1923 Amer. dial.
• FIZZER a disciplinary charge ...a1935 Brit. army sl.
• FLAMING ARSEHOLE a large red circle painted on side of Japanese aircraft ...1942 Aust. airmen's usage
• FLAMING ONIONS a projectile consisting of about ten incendiary shells shot upwards in quick succession ...1917 sl.
• FLASH OF LIGHTNING the gold braid on an officer's cap ...Bk1893 nautical sl.
• FOGEY money received as longevity pay on completing five years of military service in peacetime, or three years in wartime ...Bk1974 Amer. sl.
• FOGY money received as longevity pay on completing five years of military service in peacetime,or three years in wartime ...Bk1974 Amer. sl.
• FRIED EGG the insignia of the US Military Academy ...1908 US sl.
• GADGET a rating badge ...Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
• GANTLOPE * a military punishment (sometimes also naval) in which the culprit had to run stripped to the waist between two rows of men who struck at him with a stick or a knotted cord ...1646
• GLASS-HOUSE, THE a military prison ...1925 Brit. sl.
• GRAY, THE the South and its army ...US Civil War usage
• GROUP GROPE in the navy: a manoeuvre or training exercise involving numerous vessels or aircraft ...1945 US Navy jocular
• GROWL in the navy: a radio communications transmission ...1962 Amer. sl.
• GROWLER in the navy: a public-address system ...1945 Amer. sl.
• GUN PET a parapet fortified to protect artillery ...1990 US sl.
• GUNS 1. to marines in Vietnam: a weapons squad or platoon ...1990 US sl.
2. a helicopter gunship ...1990 US Army Aero Weapons Platoon (Vietnam) usage
• GUTS-HORN, THE the dinner bugle call ...E20 army sl.
• GWENNIE 1. a high-angle, anti-aircraft gun on board ship ...20C Royal Navy usage
2. in World War II: any gun ...Royal Navy usage
• GWENNY 1. a high-angle, anti-aircraft gun on board ship ...20C Royal Navy usage
2. in World War II: any gun ...Royal Navy usage
• HACK in the Navy & US Marine Corps: confinement to quarters as punishment, esp. for officers ...1944 Amer. sl.
• HAM-BONE a sextant ...1938 naval sl.
• HARNESS † the baggage or portable equipment of an army, a party of travellers, etc. ...a1300
• HASH-MARK a military service stripe ...1909 US sl.
• HATE an artillery bombardment ...1915 Brit. sl.
• HAYBAG ROW the laundresses' quarters ...1925 Amer. army sl.
• HELL BOX a detonator ...1992 Amer. military sl.
• HELL BUGGY a battle tank ...1941 US Army jocular
• HIT TEAM a small task force ...1987 Amer. military sl.
• HITCH a period or duty or service; a period of enlistment ...c1905 Amer. military sl.
• HITCH a period of service, as in the armed forces ...1835 sl., chiefly US
• IMFU an immense military blunder; 'Imperial Military Fuck-up" ...World War II usage
• INCOMING MAIL artillery fire; also, bombs ...1919 US Army and Marine Corps usage
• IRK a naval rating ...1925 Brit. sl.
• IRON RATIONS US Army staples of hardtack, salt pork, and coffee ...US Civil War usage 2004
• JAAFU Joint Anglo-American Fuck-up - a confused situation caused by American and British military personnel ...World War II usage
• JACFU Joint American-Chinese Fuck-Up - a confused situation caused by American military personnel ...World War II usage Slang
• JACKET a military service record ...1930s US sl.
• JANFU Joint Army-Navy Fuck-Up - a colossal military blunder with contributions from the Army and the Navy ...US World War II usage
• JANKERS punishment for a defaulter ...1916 Brit. services' sl.
• JUNGLE JULIETS the women's reserve of the Marine Corps ...World War II Amer. sl.
• KATE, THE the British army ...L19 sl.
• KATE CARNEY, THE the British army ...20C rhyming sl.
• KATE KARNEY, THE the British army ...20C rhyming sl.
• KATE KEARNEY, THE the British army ...20C rhyming sl.
• LEAF leave of absence ...1846 military sl.
• LEAGUER 1. a military camp, esp. one engaged in a siege; an investing force ...1577
2. a military investment, a siege ...1598
• LEATHER-NECTARINES the women's reserve of the Marine Corps ...World War II Amer. sl.
• LEEF leave of absence ...1846 military sl.
• LEVET † a trumpet call or musical strain to rouse soldiers and others in the morning ...a1625
• LITTLE CHARLEY an infantryman's haversack ...M20 army sl.
• LOAFING NUMBER a nice easy job in depot ...20C Royal Navy sl.
• LOAFING STATIONS shore stations where men await drafting to ships ...20C Royal Navy sl.
• LZ a combat aircraft landing zone, esp. an improvised one ...1971 US sl.
• MAD MINUTE 1. one minute of rapid fire against enemy positions; broadly, any short period of intense military bombardment ...1917 Amer. military sl.
2. a minute of frenzied bayonet-practice ...1942 military sl.
• MAE WEST an M-3 battle tank ...1941 Amer. Army usage
• MAGGIE in the military, a red flag or disc used on a firing range to indicate failure to hit the target; hence, a complete miss on such a range ...1942-45 Amer. military sl.
• MAGGIE'S BRITCHES in the military, a red flag or disc used on a firing range to indicate failure to hit the target; hence, a complete miss on such a range ...1942 Amer. military sl.
• MAGGIE'S DRAWERS in the military, a red flag or disc used on a firing range to indicate failure to hit the target; hence, a complete miss on such a range ...1942 Amer. military sl.
• MAGGIE'S PANTS in the military, a red flag or disc used on a firing range to indicate failure to hit the target; hence, a complete miss on such a range ...1942 Amer. military sl.
• MAGPIE a shot from a rifle which strikes the outermost division by one of a target, and is signalled by a black and white flag ...1884 military sl.
• MAIL artillery fire; also, bombs ...1919 US Army and Marine Corps usage
• MAIN † a host of men; a military force ...a1000
• MAINWARD † the main body of an army ...1563-87
• MARITIME REGIMENT † the marines ...1668
• MARRIED PATCH, THE. married quarters in permanent barracks ...20C Brit. army sl.
• MEAT TICKET an identity disc; in reference to use of the identity disc in identifying dead service personnel ...1919 sl.
• MILLION-DOLLAR WOUND any wound that guarantees the victim a passage out of a war zone and back to the USA ...1940s US military sl.
• MOB a military unit ...1916 sl.
• MONKEY CAP an overseas cap...1919 Amer. Army sl.
• MONKEY DRILL 1. a mounted cavalry or artillery drill, often involving trick riding ..1901 US Army sl., now Hist.
2. a scaling or climbing drill ...1982 US Army sl.
• MONKEY HAT an overseas cap ...1917 US military sl.
• MOOSH a guardroom or cell; a military prison ...1917 sl.
• MOSQUITO BOAT a small river craft carrying light guns ...Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
• MULLIGAN BATTERY an army cook wagon ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• MUSH a guardroom or cell; a military prison ...1917 sl.
• NABU an irreconcilable mess (NonAdjustable Balls-Up) ...E20 Brit. military usage
• NAFFY a representation of the usual pronunciation of NAAFI - Navy, Army, and Air Force Institution, and organization providing canteens, shops, etc. for British forces personnel ...1937 Brit. sl.
• NAIL KEG an artillery shell ...1894 Amer. military sl.
• NASHO compulsory military training ...1962 Aust. sl.
• NASTYGRAM a written reprimand or record of misconduct; hence, an unpleasant written notice ...1966-67 US sl., chiefly military
• NAUTICS, THE the Royal Navy ...1951 Brit. sl., orig. Royal Air Force usage
• NAVEY † a navy ...1387
• NAVIN † shipping, fleet, navy ...1375 Sc.
• NO-CLAP MEDAL the Good Conduct Medal ...WW II Army use
• O CLUB in the US armed forces: an officer's club ...1986 US sl.
• OBBO an observation balloon ...1925 sl.
• OBO an observation balloon ...1925 sl.
• ODDS AND SODS n. service personnel assigned to miscellaneous tasks or not regularly classified ...1930 sl.
• OD's a drab olive military uniform ...1955 US sl.
• OFFICE HOURS n. a time devoted to reprimand or evaluation of subordinates; a disciplinary session ...1898 US military sl.
• OFFICER'S COUNTRY officer's quarters ...1945 US Navy usage
• OLD CHARLEY an infantryman's pack ...20C army sl.
• OP a military operation ...1925 sl.
• OUTFIT a regiment or other military unit ...1916 sl.
• OUTGOING MAIL artillery fire; also, bombs ...1919 US Army and Marine Corps usage
• PARTY a military engagement ...1942 sl.
• PEAS ON A TRENCHER the breakfast bugle call ...US Civil War usage
• PIN-PARTY a gang of flight-deck workers on an aircraft-carrier who prepare aircraft for take-off ...1942 naval sl.
• PIP a star worn on an officer's epaulette ...1917 sl.
• PIPE-DOWN military tattoo ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• POUND AND PINT a sailor's ration of food and drink ...1865 Brit. naval sl.
• PUDDING AND GRAVY the navy ...Brit. rhyming sl.
• PUMPKIN RINDS shoulder straps as insignia of military rank, usually yellow ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• R AND R 'Rest and Rotation'; a transfer or leave from a fighting military unit to a base or town removed from the fighting; a short leave or vacation given a soldier from the front lines to a rest camp or town ...World War II US Army usage
• RABBITS illicit goods smuggled ashore by Naval ratings going on leave ...20C Royal Navy usage
• RACE-CARD the morning sick-report ...World War I Army jocular
• RAFF, THE the Royal Air Force ...1918 Royal Air Force colloq.
• RAG FAIR an inspection of soldiers' kit-bags, etc. ...1785 military sl.
• RAILROAD TRACKS an Army captain's insigne bars ...World War II US usage
• RANGALE † 1. the ranks or main body of an army ...c1330 chiefly Sc.
† 2. rabble, esp. of an army; camp-followers ...1375 Sc.
• RAPPEL the roll or beat of a drum to summon soldiers to arms ...1848
• RAT † a file of soldiers ...1646 Sc.
• RATT(E) † a line or file of soldiers ...1775 Sc.
• REBEL YELL the Confederate battle cry; a prolonged, high-pitched cry issued before combat ...US Civil War usage
• RED DUSTER, THE the red ensign. the flag of the British merchant navy ...1925 sl.
• RED RAG the pennant flying during meals ...Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
• ROAST BEEF the dinner bugle call ...US Civil War usage
• ROPE YARN HOLIDAY a half holiday ...Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
• S.A.B.U. a Self-Adjusting Balls Up ...1940 army sl.
• SAMFU a military mess which will straighten itself out in time (Self-Adjusting Military Fuck-Up) ...World War II Brit. usage
• SAND BOX EXPRESS military transport to Saudi Arabia or Kuwait during the first Gulf war ...1991 US sl.
• SANK WORK the making of soldiers' clothes ...L18 sl.
• S.A.P.F.U. a military blunder; Surpassing All Previous Fuck-Ups ...World War II US military sl.
• SCARLET FEVER a partiality for soldiers or soldiering ...M19 sl.
• SCRAMBLED EGG the gold braid or insignia on an officer's dress uniform ...1943 sl., mainly services'
• SCRAN service rations ...1916 naval sl.
• SECTION EIGHT a discharge from the army under section eight of the US Army Regulations 615-360 on the grounds of insanity or inability to adjust to army life ...1943 US sl.
• SHORT-ARM INSPECTION an inspection to detect symptoms of venereal disease ...c1910 military sl.
• SIGHING SARAH a shell that 'sighs' in its distant flight ...WWI military usage
• SILVER SAUSAGE a barrage balloon ...1938 sl.
• SIX-TO-SIX a conversation between two unit commanders ...1991 US sl.
• SLUM-GUN a mobile army kitchen ...1917 military sl.
• SMALL TICKET a dishonourable discharge from the Navy ...Amer. World War I sl.
• SNAKE-PEN a sergeants' mess ...1941 Aust. sl.
• SNAKE-PIT a sergeants' mess ...1941 Aust. sl.
• SOAPSUDS ROW married quarters ...Spanish-American War era
• SOUP GUN a mobile army kitchen ...1918 US military sl.
• SPAM MEDAL a medal awarded to all the members of a force ...military sl.
• SQUARE-BASHING military marching and drill ...1943 Brit. sl.
• SQUARE RIG the uniform of a naval rating ...1951 sl.
• STONE FRIGATE a naval shore establishment or barracks ...1917 Brit. sl.
• STRATOCRACY government or political control by the army; military rule ...M17
• STRING OF BACON campaign ribbons ...1976 US military sl.
• SWAB an epaulet of a naval officer ...US Civil War usage
• TABU a typical army mess (Typical Army Balls-Up) ...World War II Brit. military usage
• TAFUBAR an extremely bad situation (Things Are Fucked-Up Beyond All Recognition) ...World War II military usage
• TAPE a chevron indicating rank ...1943 Brit. sl.
• TIN CAN a destroyer ...US Navy sl.
• TOLPATCHERY infantry ...1864 nonce word
• TOOL-CHECK a military inspection of the male genitals for venereal disease ...E20 Brit. military sl.
• TRACK an armoured personnel carrier, esp. the M-113 ...1971 US sl.
• TRICK a term of service on a ship or in the forces ...1942 US sl.
• TRIPLE-A anti-aircraft fire ...1983 sl., orig. US
• UNCLE CHARLEY an infantryman's pack ...20C army sl.
• UNCLE SAM'S ACTION introduction into one of the services (after being drafted) ...1940s US Black sl.
• VENLIN † a company of soldiers ...1541
• WAAFERY the part of the camp frequented by members of the WAAF; also, the billets occupied ...1939 Royal Air Force sl.
• WAKE-UP n. a short time remaining on a jail sentence or term of military service, esp. the last morning ...1950 US sl.
• WARD † a garrison ...c1500
• WARPAINT military uniform ...M19 sl.
• WAVY NAVY, THE the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve ...1918 sl.
• WORY any military reminiscence ...c1950 army usage
• WRENNERY a building used to accommodate Wrens ...1943 Brit. jocular
• ZERO-DARK-THIRTY the wee hours of the morning, before or roughly at dawn ...1980 US military sl.
SERVICES - nouns, person
• AB a Northern soldier in the US Civil War ...1862 US South
• ABDUL a nickname for a Turkish soldier, esp. during WWI ...1915 Aust.
• ABDULLAH a nickname for a Turkish soldier, esp. during WWI ...1915 Aust.
• ABSENT-MINDED BEGGAR a soldier ...1899 Eng. sl.
• ACE a White serviceman ...1966 US Army sl.
• ACE OF ACES a combat aviator who brought down or killed twenty-give or more enemy aircraft ...Amer. World War I sl.
• ACTING GADGET acting corporal ...Bk1944 service sl.
• ACTING JACK an acting sergeant; a soldier wearing the insignia of and having the authority of a sergeant but without the official rank; a temporary sergeant ...Amer. World War I sl.
• AGGIE 1. the adjutant general ...Amer. World War I sl.
2. a homosexual sailor ...1980s US homosexual sl.
• AMEN-WALLAH an army chaplain's clerk ...B1900 sl.
• AMGRUNT a member of an amphibious Martine Corps unit ...1971 US Marine Corps usage
• ANCHOR the midshipman having the lowest academic standing in his class ...1906 US Naval Academy usage
• ANCHORMAN the student having the lowest academic standing in his class ...1928 US Naval Academy usage
• ANGEL FACE an officer either young or boyish looking ...WWI Eng.
• ANIMAL a newly arrived cadet ...1871 US Military Academy usage
• ANSWER TO A SHE-GAL’S DREAM a male member of the armed forces ...World War II Amer. sl.
• ANZAC an Australian or NZ soldier, esp. with the Gallipoli service ...WWI
• APPLE KNOCKER upstate farm hand now in infantry ...Bk1944 service sl.
• ARM DROPPER section chief or sergeant who signals to fire ...Bk1944 service sl.
• ARMY BRAT a person who grew up the child of a career member of the army ...1931 US sl.
• ARMY DICK a military policeman ...World War II Amer. sl.
• ARMY LID a radio operator ...World War II Amer. sl.
• ARMY TANK an American serviceman ...1942 Aust. rhyming sl., prisoners-of-war usage, in the Far East
• ARSE-END CHARLIE 'the man who weaves backwards and forwards above and behind the Squadron' to protect them from attack from the rear' ...1939 Royal Air Force usage
• ARTHUR DONOVAN, AN a soldier who thinks he can referee war manoeuvres ...Bk1944 service sl.
• ARVIN any South Vietnamese soldier ...1966 US sl.
• ASTHMA a company wit; one full of ‘wheezes’ (jokes) ...World War II Amer. sl.
• ATKINS a typical private solder in the British army ...L19 sl.
• ATS a member of the Auxiliary Territorial Service, a British army corps consisting of women ...1941 Brit. sl.
• ATTABOY an American soldier ...Amer. World War I sl.
• AWKWARD SQUAD army recruits drilling ...B1890 Eng.
• B.A. an officer, esp. a cadet officer, who has been reduced in rank (Busted Aristocrat) ...1900 US Army sl.
• BABE the youngest member of a class of cadets ...1871 US Military Academy usage
• BABY 007 in the Vietnam war: an investigative agent from the Army Criminal Investigation Division, most likely working undercover to identify drug users ...1991 US sl.
• BABY HERO in the Vietnam war: a brave soldier ...1991 US sl.
• BABY-SAN an inexperienced, untested soldier ...1990 US sl.
• BACK-YARD SOLDIER one who lives nearby and goes home on the weekends ...Bk1944 service sl.
• BAM a ‘broad-assed Marine’, i.e. a woman Marine ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BANTAM DOUGHBOY n. an American who fell under the regulation height but was allowed to enter the service ...Amer. World War I sl.
• BARBER-BAIT a recruit ...1945 US sl.
• BARON an army commander ...1919 sl.
• BATMAN a man in charge of a bat-horse and its load; a military servant of a cavalry officer ...1809
• BATTLING SONS OF THE AIR airmen ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BAWHAWDER any great soldier ...Bk1892 Anglo-Indian sl.
• BAYMAN a sick-bay nurse ...1888 US nautical
• BAYONET a soldier ...US Civil War usage
• B BOY playful allusion to a mess sergeant ...Bk1944 service sl.
• BEACH COMBER a sailor on shore leave ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BEACH POUNDER a member of the Coast Guard, i.e. one who patrols or ‘pounds’ the shore ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BEAN KING an Army mess officer ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BEANS a commissary sergeant ...Amer. World War I sl.
• BEAN SHOOTER a commissary officer ...Amer. World War I sl.
• BEAR CAT a hard-fighting soldier ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BEDET † a horseman's or soldier's boy employed to carry his baggage ...1633
• BEDPAN COMMANDO a medical corpsman ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BEETLE-CRUSHER an infantry soldier ...Bk1933 sl.
• BEETLE-SQUASHER an infantry soldier ...Bk1933 sl.
• BELLYROBBER a commissary steward ...Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
• BENNY a sloppy soldier ...Bk1944 service sl.
• BESOGNIO † a raw recruit/soldier ...1591
• BESONIO † a raw recruit/soldier ...1591
• BIG BOOT the General ...Bk1944 service sl.
• BIG BOW-WOW a regimental sergeant-major ...Amer. World War I sl.
• BIG BRASS applied to officers of high rank in the armed services; hence, any group of people of high rank ...1899 sl., orig. US
• BIG JOHN a recruit from the country ...Bk1944 service sl.
• BING BOY a Canadian soldier ...Amer. World War I sl.
• BLANKET SOLDIER a military policeman; so called because his other names are unfit for publication ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BLANK FILE a stupid soldier ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BLISTER FOOT an infantryman ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BLISTER MECHANIC a hospital corpsman ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BLUEBEAK a young recruit ...1898 army sl.
• BLUE BOY a French soldier ...Amer. World War I sl.
• BLUECOAT a soldier in the Federal army during the Civil War ...1865 US
• BOCHE (derogatory) a German; a German soldier; Germans collectively ...1914 sl.
• BODY SNATCHER 1. a sniper at the front ...Amer. World War I sl.
2. a stretcher bearer ...Amer. World War I sl.
• BOLO a soldier who fails on the firing range ...Bk1944 service sl.
• BOMB-A-DEER bomber personnel ...Bk1944 service sl.
• BOOB a Navy recruit ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BOOMALALLY orig. a cadet of the South Carolina Military Academy; later, any soldier, esp. one on parade marching to music ...1952 Amer. dial.
• BOOT a trainee in a military boot camp; a recruit ...1915 Amer. dial.
• BOTTLE-CAP COLONEL a lieutenant-colonel in the US Army ...1986 US Vietnam War usage
• BOY IN BROWN a soldier ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BOYS IN BLUE Union soldiers ...US Civil War usage
• BOYS IN GRAY Confederate soldiers ...US Civil War usage
• BOY UPSTAIRS a pilot, gunner, or bombardier, when in flight ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BRAINS an intelligence officer ...Amer. World War I sl.
• BRASS officers of high rank in the armed services ...c1864 sl., orig. US
• BRASS-HAT an officer of high rank in the armed services ...1893 sl., orig. Brit.
• BRASS LOOIE a lieutenant ... World War I Amer. sl.
• BRASS LOOT a second lieutenant ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BRIGHT-LIGHT FELLOW one who requests repeated leaves; i.e., one who seeks the bright lights and good times of the city ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BROKEN STRIPER a chief warrant officer ...Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
• BROWN JOB a soldier; hence, collectively, the army ...1943 sl., orig. Royal Air Force usage
• BUCK a private; a common soldier ...Amer. World War I sl.
• BUCK-ASS a private soldier; in the US Air Force, a basic airman ...1965 US sl.
• BUCK-ASS PRIVATE a private soldier; in the US Air Force, a basic airman ...1945 US sl.
• BUCK GENERAL a brigadier general ...1944 US sl.
• BUCK PRIVATE a private soldier; in the US Air Force, a basic airman ...1874 US sl.
• BUCK SERGEANT an ordinary sergeant of the lowest grade ...1934 US sl.
• BUMBOAT a hawker or peddler aboard a Navy ship ...Amer. World War I sl.
• BUMMER a person more interested in the spoils of war than in good conduct; a predatory soldier ...US Civil War usage
• BUNTING a signaller ...1909 navy sl.
• BUTCH a medical officer ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BUTT-END CHARLIE a tail gunner in a bomber ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BUTTERBAR a second lieutenant ...1973 US sl.
• BUTTERMILK RANGER a cavalryman; used derisively ...1867 US Confederate Army usage
• BUTTERNUT a soldier or civilian of the Confederate States; a Southerner ...1862 US Army sl.
• BUTTON CHOPPER a laundry worker ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BUZZARD a naval petty officer ...1894 US Navy usage
• BUZZARD-BUSTER a member of an antiaircraft unit ...1942 Amer. army usage
• BUZZARD COLONEL a full colonel ...1930s US military usage
• CABBAGE HAT a Royal Marine ...1979 UK sl.
• CADDIE † a cadet in the army ...1724 Sc.
• CADDY a cadet in the army ...1724 Sc.
• CADET a gentleman who entered the army without a commission, to learn the profession ...M17 hist.
• CADET WIDOW a young woman popular with several classes of cadets ...World War II Amer. sl.
• CADIE a cadet in the army ...1724 Sc.
• CAITIFF a third-classman ...1834 US Military Academy usage
• CAMP-CHAPLAIN † an army chaplain ...1679-88
• CAMPER † one who belongs to a camp; a soldier, a military man; a camp-follower ...1631
• CAMPFIRE GIRL a soldier ...1970s US homosexual sl.
• CAMP-MASTER-GENERAL † a field-marshal ...a1569
• CANTEEN RAT an old soldier who constantly hangs about by the canteen, in order to be treated ...20C military colloq.
• CAPTAIN CORK a nickname for a man who is slow in passing the bottle ...Bk1891 military sl.
• CAPTAIN'S MOUTHORGAN a company clerk ...World War II Amer. sl.
• CARE BOY a tank driver ...World War II Amer. sl.
• CARPET-BAG RECRUIT a recruit worth more than what he stands up in ...c1875 military sl.
• CARPET KNIGHT a soldier who remains at home during a war and does not go into combat ...World War II Amer. sl.
• CATAPHRACT a soldier in full armour ...1671
• CC PUSHER a rear-echelon member of the US Army Medical Corps ...1941 US Army sl.
• CHAIRBORNE COMMANDO a clerk-typist or administrative officer; used derisively ...1945 US Army sl.
• CHAIRBORNE INFANTRY desk men in general; used derisively ...1944 US Army sl.
• CHAIRBORNE RANGER a clerk-typist or administrative officer; used derisively ...1972 US Army sl.
• CHARLEY 1. a Japanese soldier; Japanese forces collectively ...1942 US services' sl.
2. a person from Vietnam; North Vietnamese or Vietcong soldier(s) ...1965 US services' sl.
• CHARLIE 1. a Japanese soldier; Japanese forces collectively ...1942 US services' sl.
2. a person from Vietnam; North Vietnamese or Vietcong soldier(s) ...1965 US services' sl.
• CHEST STOOGE a junior detailed to keep a Cadet Captain's sea-chest tidy for him ...1939 Royal Navy Cadets' usage
• CHICKEN a young sailor or soldier; a novice ...1888 Amer. dial.
• CHICKEN COLONEL a full colonel in the US Army or Air Force ...1910s US sl.
• CHIEF ITCH AND RUB the most important person; the head of any group, as an Army officer, office overseer, etc. ...20C Amer. sl.
• CHIEFY a flight sergeant ...1942 RAF sl.
• CHINESER a US military serviceman on duty in China ...1941 US military sl.
• CHOCKO a militiaman or conscripted soldier ...1943 Aust. sl.
• CHOCO a militiaman or conscripted soldier ...1943 Aust. sl.
• CHOCOLATE SOLDIER 1. (derogatory) a member of an Australian militia during World War II who did not serve in a theatre of war ...1943 Aust. sl.
2. a soldier unwilling to fight ...1940s Aust. sl.
• CHOOM an English soldier ...1916 Aust. & NZ sl.
• CHOW HOUND someone always at the head of a mess line ...World War II Amer. sl.
• CHRISTMAS CARD a train guard, a military guard ...1950s rhyming sl.
• CINDER-KNOTTER a stoker ...1909 Royal Navy sl.
• CINDER SHIFTER an infantryman marching on a drill field packed with cinders ...World War II Amer. sl.
• COMPANY STOOGE. a company clerk ...World War II Amer. sl.
• CONCHIE (derogatory) a conscientious objector ...1917 sl.
• CONCHY (derogatory) a conscientious objector ...1917 sl.
• CONSHY (derogatory) a conscientious objector ...1917 sl.
• COOLIE a private soldier ...M19 sl.
• CORNER TURNER a deserter ...World War II Amer. sl.
• CORP a corporal ...1909 sl.
• CRAB a member of the Royal Air Force ...1983 UK sl.
• CROW a US Navy chief or captain who wears the eagle in various insignia ...WW I US Navy usage
• CUTHBERT (derogatory) a man who deliberately avoids military service, esp. (in World War I) one who did so by getting a job in a government office or the civil service ...1917 Brit. sl.
• CUT-LUNCH COMMANDO a soldier who does not see active service, esp. a reservist; used contemptuously ...1952 Aust. sl.
• DADDY in the US Army, your supervising officer ...1968 US sl.
• DAT a tank-crew member (DumbAss Tanker) ...1970s US Army sl.
• DEADBEAT anyone exempt from military action, even if in uniform ...US Civil War usage
• DECK APE a sailor whose duties keep him on the deck ...World War II Amer. sl.
• DEEDONC a French soldier ...Amer. World War I sl.
• DEVIL DOG a United States Marine ...1915 colloq.
• DEVIL-DOGS OF THE SEA the Marines ...World War II Amer. sl.
• DEVIL-DOGS ON THE MARCH marines on the march, esp. in battle ...World War II Amer. sl.
• DICKSMITH a US Navy hospital corpsman ...1974 US sl.
• DIDONK a French soldier ...Amer. World War I sl.
• DILBERT a sailor who is a foul-up or a screwball ...World War II Amer. sl.
• DODO a cadet before he starts solo flying ...World War II Amer. sl.
• DOG an infantryman ...World War II Amer. sl.
• DOGFACE a soldier, esp. an ordinary infantryman in the US army ....1932 US sl.
• DOGGIE an infantryman ...World War II Amer. sl.
• DOG-ROBBER a navy or army officer's orderly ...1863 sl., orig. US
• DOGS OF WAR Marines ...World War II Amer. sl.
• DOODLE a Union soldier; a Confederate term ... ...US Civil War usage
• DOUBLE-SILVER-BAR JOHN an Army captain, whose insignia is two parallel bars ...World War II Amer. sl.
• DOUGHBOY a US infantryman, esp. in World War I ...1847 US sl.
• DOUGHFOOT a soldier, esp. an ordinary infantryman in the US army ...Amer. World War I sl.
• DRAFT-BAIT one awaiting to be drafted into the armed service ...1942 US sl.
• DUG-OUT a superannuated officer, etc. recalled for temporary military service ...1915 Brit. sl.
• DUST DISTURBER an infantryman ...Amer. World War I sl.
• DYNAMO BUSTER an electrician ...Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
• EAGLE a student pilot ...World War II Amer. sl.
• EAGLE COLONEL a bird colonel ...1978 US Army sl.
• EAGLET a young aviator ...World War II Amer. sl.
• ECHELON HOUND a holder of a soft job in a rear echelon ...1922 US Army usage
• ECHELON KING a holder of a soft job in a rear echelon ...1922 US Army usage
• EGG a new member of a unit ...Amer. World War I sl.
• EGGS-A-COOK Australian soldiers ...1915 Aust. military sl.
• EIGHT BALL a soldier who got into trouble so much that he was a liability to his unit ...World War II Amer. sl.
• EIGHTEEN-POUNDER an underage recruit (under eighteen years old) ...Amer. World War I sl.
• EMILY POSTERS naval cadets; they were given a condensed edition of an etiquette book by Emily Post ...World War II Amer. sl.
• ERK someone of lowest rank, an aircraftman ...1928 RAF sl.
• FAGGOT † a man mustered for duty in the army (and thus 'bound' for service) but not yet formally enlisted; one temporarily hired to supply a deficiency at the muster, or on the roll of a company or regiment ...L17 military sl.
• FAGOT a man mustered as a soldier, but not yet formally enlisted ...L17 sl.
• FAIRY an avionics tradesman in the Royal Air Force ...2002 UK sl.
• FANCY-MAN a member of a warship's crew who does not stand watch; an idler; broadly, a person lacking practical experience ...1818 Amer. nautical sl.
• FANOOGIE during the Vietnam War: a soldier freshly arrived in Vietnam ...1991 US sl.
• FANTERIES † foot-soldiers ...a1577
• FAST BURNER a person who is advancing quickly through the ranks ...1986 US Air Force usage
• F.B.I.'s Forgotten Boys of Iceland; army soldiers in Iceland gave themselves this nickname ...World War II Amer. sl.
• FEMARINES the women's reserve of the Marine Corps ...World War II Amer. sl.
• FENUGIE during the Vietnam War: a soldier freshly arrived in Vietnam ...1991 US sl.
• FIGUREHEAD a company clerk, because he often served as a stand-in for the commander ...World War II Amer. sl.
• FILE in the military, a fellow, esp. a soldier ...1837 sl.
• FISH a man who is afraid to fly in an airplane ...Amer. World War I sl.
• FIVE-FOR-SIXER a money-lender aboard ship ...Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
• FLAGS a signal quartermaster ...Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
• FLY BOY a member of an air force, esp. a pilot ...1937 US sl.
• FOOTPOUNDER. an infantry soldier ...1986 US sl.
• FOOT SLOGGER an infantryman ...Amer. World War I sl.
• FOUR-STRIPER a captain ...Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
• FRESH MEAT a newly arrived soldier ...1908 US sl.
• FRITZ (mainly derogatory) a German; a German soldier of World War I ...1915 sl.
• FULL SCREW a corporal in the army ...1995 UK sl.
• GALLOOT an oaf; an awkward soldier; a young marine ...1812 sl.
• GALOOT an awkward soldier; a young marine ...1812 sl.
• GI JOE a US soldier, esp. an enlisted soldier of and since World War II ...World War II Amer. sl.
• GIMPER a special and most dependable buddy; a highly competent airman ...Amer. World War I sl.
• GIPPO (usually derogatory) a native Egyptian soldier ...1916 sl.
• GIPPY (usually derogatory) a native Egyptian soldier ...a1889 sl.
• GIRENE a US Marine ...1894 US sl.
• GLAMOUR BOY. a member of the Royal Air Force ...1941 Brit. sl.
• GOAT a junior officer ...US Civil War usage
• GODDAM an English soldier ...M19 arch.
• GOLD BRICK a shirker; one who tries to avoid work or to get an easy job; a non-combatant ...Amer. World War I sl.
• GOMER a US Marine, esp. a clumsy trainee ...1984 US sl.
• GOOPHER a competent airman who is almost of top quality ...Amer. World War I sl.
• GRAVEL AGITATOR (derogatory) an infantry soldier; also, a drill instructor ...1898 sl.
• GRAVEL CRUNCHER an infantryman ...Amer. World War I sl.
• GRAVEL-CRUSHER (derogatory) an infantry soldier; also, a drill instructor ...1889 sl.
• GRAVEL-GRINDER (derogatory) an infantry soldier; also, a drill instructor ...1890 sl.
• GRAYBACK a Confederate soldier ...US Civil War usage
• GRAYCOAT a Confederate soldier ...US Civil War usage
• GROUNDHOG an infantryman in the trenches ...Amer. World War I sl.
• GROUND-POUNDER an infantry soldier ...1942 US Army & US Marine Corps usage
• GROUPER a group commander ...1963 US Air Force usage
• GROUPIE a group captain ...1943 RAF sl.
• GRUB BOSS in the army: the quartermaster sergeant ...1899 US Army usage
• GRUNT a combat soldier, a Marine soldier or a non-flying Air Force officer ...1968 US sl.
• GRUNTER an officer ...c1915 Royal Navy sl.
• GULPIN a marine ...B1900 nautical
• GUN APE an artillery soldier ...1988 US sl.
• GUNBUNNY an artillery man ...1970s US Army sl.
• GUN DOCTOR a gunner's mate ...Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
• GUNGINEER an engineer officer turned over to gun-mounting ...c1930 Royal Navy usage
• GUNNER'S TAILOR † the rating who made the cartridge bags ...1867 naval usage
• GUNNERY JACK a gunnery lieutenant ...L19 Royal Navy usage
• GUNNY a gunnery sergeant ...1940s US Marine Corps usage
• GUNS a gunnery-lieutenant ...c1910 Royal Navy usage
• GUPPY a navy diver who is not SCUBA qualified ...1991 US Navy usage
• GUSSIE a nickname for an officer ...c1930 army sl.
• GUT-SPILLER a Ghurka soldier ...World War II Aust. servicemen's usage
• GUY 1. one who tricked men into joining the navy ...M19 sl.
2. an American soldier ...1918 military sl.
• GWENNIE the gunner ...c1918 Royal Navy usage
• GWENNY the gunner ...c1918 Royal Navy usage
• GYPO (usually derogatory) a native Egyptian soldier ...1916 sl.
• GYPPIE (usually derogatory) a native Egyptian soldier ...a1889 sl.
• GYPPO (usually derogatory) a native Egyptian soldier ...1916 sl.
• GYPPY (usually derogatory) a native Egyptian soldier ...a1889 sl.
• GYRENE a member of the US Marine Corps' a marine ...1894 Amer. sl., orig. Navy usage
• HAIRY a former non-commissioned officer training to become an officer ...1981 UK military sl.
• HAIRY-ASSED MARINE a marine who postures toughness ...1956 Amer. dial.
• HALF COLONEL a lieutenant-colonel ...1956 US sl.
• HALF-LOOT a second lieutenant ...Amer. World War I sl.
• HARDCORE a regular soldier of the North Vietnamese army or the Viet Cong ...1991 US sl.
• HARD HAT an elite, full-time Viet Cong soldier ...1965 US sl.
• HARDHEAD a cavalryman ...Amer. World War I sl.
• HARLEY a stupid or blundering soldier ...c1945 Amer. sl.
• HAYBAG a laundress on a military base ...1865 Amer. army sl.
• HEINE a German; a German soldier...1904 N. Amer. sl.
• HEINIE a German; a German soldier...1904 N. Amer. sl.
• HIGH BRASS applied to officers of high rank in the armed services; hence, any group of people of high rank ...1941 sl., orig. US
• HIGHER-UP an officer ...Amer. World War I sl.
• HINEY a German; a German soldier...1904 N. Amer. sl.
• HOBO a provost-sergeant ...Amer. World War I sl.
• HORSE-FLY a cavalryman ...1926 US Army usage
• HORSE-HANDLER an uninfluential or sycophantic aide or executive officer ...1984-88 US Army usage
• HORSE-HOLDER an uninfluential or sycophantic aide or executive officer ...1982 US Army usage
• HOSPITAL BUMMER one who fakes his way out of combat and into a military hospital ...US Civil War usage
• HUMAN CYCLONES the Marines ...Amer. World War I sl.
• INISKILLEN MEN (derogatory) the militia ...L17 sl.
• IRK someone of lowest rank, an aircraftman ...1928 RAF sl.
• IVAN a Russian private soldier ...1914 military colloq.
• JACK 1. a native soldier ...1853 Anglo-Indian colloq.
2. a military policeman ...1919 sl.
3. a corporal ...1940s US military sl.
• JACKMAN an armed serving man ...1820 Sc.
• JACK SHALLOO an (excessively) easy-going naval officer ...1904 naval sl.
• JACK SHILLOO an (excessively) easy-going naval officer ...1904 naval sl.
• JARHEAD (derogatory) a Marine ...1947 Amer. sl.
• JAUNDY the master-at-arms on board ship ...1902 Brit. navy sl.
• JAUNTY the master-at-arms on board ship ...1902 Brit. navy sl.
• JEEP a recruit or basic trainee ...1938 Amer. military sl.
• JERRY a German; a German soldier or aircraft; Germans or German soldiers collectively ...1919 sl.
• JIMMY a first lieutenant ...1916 nautical sl.
• JIMMYLEGS master at arms ...Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
• JIMMY THE ONE a first lieutenant ...1916 nautical sl.
• JOCK a Scottish or (formerly) northern English sailor; a Scottish soldier; a form of address to a Scotsman ...L18 sl.
• JOHN a greenhorn; a newcomer to the army ...Amer. World War I sl.
• JOHNNY a derogatory form of address to a man regarded as inferior, esp. a soldier of a colonized country in the army of the colonizing power ...L17 colloq.
• JOHNNY REB a soldier in the Confederate army; also, those of the South, collectively ...US Civil War usage
• JOLLY a marine ...1829 sl.
• JONTY the master-at-arms on board ship ...1902 Brit. navy sl.
• JYRENE a member of the US Marine Corps' a marine ...1894 Amer. sl., orig. Navy usage
• KING'S BAD BARGAIN an unsatisfactory soldier ...18C Eng. sl.
• KIWI a non-flying member of an air force ...1918 sl.
• KRAUT (derogatory) a German, esp. a German soldier during wartime ...1918 US sl.
• KRAUTHEAD (derogatory) a German, esp. a German soldier during wartime ...1932 US sl.
• LADIES FROM HADES a kilted Scottish Highland regiment ...1982 US Army jocular
• LADIES FROM HELL a kilted Scottish Highland regiment ...1918 US Army jocular
• LADY a recruit in basic training; used contemptuously ...1965 US sl., esp. US Marine Corps usage
• LANCE-COMICAL a lance-corporal ...c1946 Brit. army sl.
• LANCE-CORPORAL TOWROPE a driver mechanic ...c1939 Brit. army sl.
• LANCE-JACK a lance-corporal or lance-bombardier ...1912 Brit. sl.
• LEAGUER-LADY † a woman attached to a camp ...1702
• LEAGUER-LASS a woman attached to a camp ...1822 Sc.
• LEAGUER-LAUNDRESS † a woman attached to a camp ...1629
• LEAPER † an irregular soldier ...1604
• LEATHER BUMPER a cavalryman ...Amer. World War I sl.
• LEATHER-NECK 1. a sailor's name for a soldier, from the leather stock he used to wear ...1890 Brit. nautical sl.
2. a marine ...1914 Amer. navy sl.
• LEFTY a lieutenant ...1840 US military sl.
• LEG an infantry soldier ...US Vietnam War Army usage
• LEG CASE a man who ran from combat ...US Civil War usage
• LIBERTY HOG a sailor or marine who is eager to go on shore leave ...1992 Amer. sl.
• LIBERTY HOUND a sailor or marine who is eager to go on shore leave ...1939 Amer. sl.
• LIEUT a lieutenant ...1759 US
• LIEUTY a lieutenant ...1998 US
• LIFER a person, esp. a senior noncommissioned officer whose career is in military service: often used derisively ...1962 Amer. military sl.
• LIFER DOG a person, esp. a senior noncommissioned officer whose career is in military service: often used derisively ...1989 Amer. military sl.
• LIGHT BOB a soldier of a regiment of light infantry ...1778 US Army usage
• LIMEJUICER (mildly derogatory) a British sailor ...L19 jocular
• LIMEY (mildly derogatory) a British sailor ...20C colloq.
• LINE CROSSER in the Korean war: a soldier who crossed the main line of resistance to find and retrieve prisoners of war ...1967 US sl.
• LITTLE JESUS a corporal ...Amer. World War I sl.
• LOOEY a lieutenant ...1916 N. Amer. sl.
• LOOIE a lieutenant ...1916 N. Amer. sl.
• LOOT a lieutenant ...1759 US
• LOUIE a lieutenant ...1916 N. Amer. sl.
• LUFF lieutenant ...Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
• MACARONI (derogatory) an Italian soldier ...20C Brit. sl.
• MACAROON a new recruit ...1943 World War II Brit. sl.
• MACHINE GUN MURPHY a stereotypical fearless soldier ...1971 US sl.
• MAD MONKEY a staff worker at the US Military Army Command, Vietnam ...1991 US sl.
• MAGGOT someone who is very dedicated to service ...1998 US Air Force sl.
• MAGIC DOCTORS ground-staff engineers ...c1930 Royal Air Force sl.
• MAJE a major ...1847 Amer. army sl.
• MALTOOT a marine ...L18 sl.
• MALTOUT † a nickname for a marine, used by sailors and soldiers of other corps ...1785 sl.
• MAN-AT-ARMS a soldier, a warrior; a heavy-armed soldier on horseback ...1390
• MAN-OF-WAR † a fighting man; a soldier, a warrior ...1449 obs. exc. arch. or jocular
• MARINETTE a woman who enlisted in the Marines to do clerical work ...Amer. World War I sl.
• MARSHAL † a commander, a general, a leader ...a1300
• MARTIAL † a martial person, a soldier ...c1611
• MARTIALIST * a military man; one skilled in warfare; a warrior ...1576
• MARTINET a military or naval officer who is a stickler for strictness of discipline; hence, a rigid disciplinarian ...1779
• MED HEAD a member of the military police ...1998 NZ sl.
• MERC a mercenary soldier ...1967 sl.
• MIDDY a midshipman ...US Civil War usage
• MO a Medical Officer ...World War I Brit. army sl.
• MODEL T SERGEANT a soldier with a Technician 3rd Class Rating ...1944 service sl.
• MOTOR MAC a motor mechanic or machinist's mate ...1953 Amer. navy sl.
• MOUSE the soldier on point in the front of a patrol ...1991 US sl.
• MUD CRUNCHER an infantryman ...Amer. World War I sl.
• MUSICAL MARINE a bandsman ...Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
• MUSTANG an officer in the US forces who has been promoted from the ranks ...1847 sl.
• NAILS a carpenter's mate ...Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
• NARROW GAUGE in the US Marine Corps: a corporal ...1922 Amer. sl.
• NASHO a conscript ...1962 Aust. sl.
• NAV a navigator ...1956 Royal Navy and Royal Air Force usage
• NAVALS * naval men ...1836
• NAVARCH * the commander of a fleet; an admiral ...1828-32 Greek Antiq.
• NEW MEAT a newly arrived soldier ...1908 US sl.
• NO-CAN-GO-IST a non-conformist who is excused Church parade ...20C Royal Navy sl.
• NUMBER ONE the first officer ...Aust. navy sl.
• OBOF an 'Old Buffer Over Forty' ...1916 military sl.
• OFFICER MATERIAL n. an enlisted man short in mentality ...1945 US military jocular
• OIL KING a petty officer responsible for fuel levels, records, etc.; the man detailed to check oil aboard ship ...1947 Amer. nautical sl.
• OLD BILL a veteran; any old soldier, esp. if with heavy, drooping whiskers ...1915 military colloq.
• OLD BLUE LIGHTS a naval gunner ...1916 sl.
• OLD DIG a veteran soldier ...1940s Aust. & NZ sl.
• OLD FILE in the military: an old officer ...1907 Amer. military sl.
• OLD FLAG a flag officer ...1862 US Navy sl.
• OLD FOUR-BY-TWO the quartermaster ...E20 army sl.
• OLD FRITZ a German soldier ...World War I sl.
• OLD HEINE a German soldier ...World War I sl.
• OLD ISSUE an old soldier ...1909 US Army sl.
• OLD MAN, THE a commanding officer ...1830 US military sl.
• OLD SHIP an old shipmate ...1927 naval sl.
• OLD SOLDIER one who pretended to be sick or disabled so he could avoid drill and take life easy in a hospital tent ...US Civil War usage
• OLDSTER a midshipman of four years' service ...19C nautical sl.
• OLD SWEAT an old soldier; any veteran ...1919 sl., orig. military
• ONE-PIPPER a second lieutenant ...1937 Brit. services' sl.
• ONE-STRIPER 1. an ensign ...Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
2. in the army a lance-corporal (one-striper) ...1917 sl.
• ORDERLY BUFF an orderly sergeant, the sergeant acting as officer of the day ...1925 Brit. sl.
• ORDERLY DOG an orderly corporal, a corporal attending an officer to carry orders or messages ...1925 Brit. sl.
• ORDERLY PIG an orderly officer; the officer of the day ...1943 Brit. services' sl.
• PADDLEFOOT 1. an infantry soldier ...1946 US sl.
2. an air force ground-crew member ...1948 US sl.
• PAGE † a foot-soldier ...c1330
• PAPER COLLAR SOLDIER a soldier from the northeast (to westerners) ...US Civil War usage
• PARISH SOLDIER a militia man ...L18 sl.
• PAY a form of address for the paymaster ...1878 Brit. sl., orig. & chiefly naval usage
• PAYBOB the paymaster ...1916 Brit. naval sl.
• P.B.I. a Poor Bloody Infantry(man) ...1916 sl.
• PEGGY a sailor assigned to menial tasks; a mess-steward ...1902 naval sl.
• PENGUIN a non-flying member of an air force, as a member of a ground crew ...1918 Royal Air Force sl.
• PILL a doctor; a medical officer or orderly in the services ...1860 sl.
• PING an Asidic (Anti-Submarine Detection Investigation Committee) officer or rating ...1946 naval sl.
• PINGER an Asidic (Anti-Submarine Detection Investigation Committee) officer or rating ...1946 naval sl.
• PING-MAN an Asidic (Anti-Submarine Detection Investigation Committee) officer or rating ...1946 naval sl.
• PINGPONG a clerk; a yeoman ...Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
• PIPES a nickname or form of address for a boatswain ...1856 naval sl.
• PIPSQUEAK a temporary second lieutenant ...Amer. World War I sl.
• PLANK-OWNER a member of the original crew of a ship, or a long-serving marine ...1901 naval sl.
• PLEEP an enemy pilot who refuses aerial combat ...1942 military sl.
• PLONK an aircraftman second class ...1941 RAF sl.
• PLOWMAKER'S MATE an awkward recruit ...Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
• PLUMBER an armourer or engineering officer ...1941 Royal Air Force sl.
• POILU a French soldier, esp. in World War I ...1914 sl.
• POLITICIAN 1. a sailor having a soft job, such as compartment cleaner, storeroom keeper, etc. ...Amer. World War I sl.
2. a soldier with a job that excuses him from assemblies and musters ...Amer. World War I sl.
• PONGO 1. a marine ...1917 Brit. naval sl.
2. an army officer ...1943 Brit. sl.
• POWDER MONKEY one who carries shells or gunpowder from the magazine to the gun ...US Civil War usage
• PROVO a military policeman ...1943 Aust. sl.
• QUARTER-BLOKE a quartermaster(-sergeant) ...1919 services' sl.
• QUEEN'S BAD BARGAIN an unsatisfactory soldier ...18C Eng. sl.
• QUEEN'S MAN a soldier ...1900 Eng. dial.
• QUI-HAI a former colonial administrator or Indian Army soldier ...19C Anglo-Indian
• QUI-HI a former colonial administrator or Indian Army soldier ...19C Anglo-Indian
• QUI-HY a former colonial administrator or Indian Army soldier ...19C Anglo-Indian
• QUILLS a yeoman ...Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
• RACKANSACKER a hard-bitten outdoorsman fighting for the South, who would, presumably, be quick to 'wrack and sack' (ruin and pillage) in a war ...US Civil War usage
• RAFFER a person in the Royal Air Force, not usually applied to officers ...1939 colloq.
• RAGS a steward in charge of the linen ...L19 nautical sl.
• RAG-TEARER a signalman ...20C Royal Navy usage
• RAINBOW a soldier who joins a fighting unit after conflict has ceased ...1919 Aust. sl.
• RAMBO a soldier with too much of a sense of drama and too little intelligence ...1989 US sl.
• RAPPAREE an Irish pikeman or irregular soldier, of the kind prominent during the war of 1688-92; hence, an Irish bandit, robber, plunderer, or freebooter; any ruffianly vagabond ...1690
• RASCAL †* a camp-follower ...1552
• READY-FINDER a civilian who followed the Army to pick up the discarded coats, blankets, and other items shed by soldiers, esp. when the weather turned hot; term was used by Union troops ...US Civil War usage
• REB a southern soldier; an inhabitant of the Confederate States of America ...US Civil War usage
• REBEL a southern soldier; an inhabitant of the Confederate States of America ...US Civil War usage
• RED a soldier ...18C sl.
• REDCAP a military police officer ...1919 Brit. colloq.
• RED-COAT a soldier ...c1485 sl.
• RED HAT an army staff officer ...1916 Brit. sl.
• RED-HERRING a soldier ...Bk1903 sl.
• RED LEGS an artilleryman ...1900 US sl.
• REEFER a midshipman ...1834 nautical sl.
• REFORMADO a disbanded soldier; a degraded officer ...1598 sl.
• REGIMENTAL MONKEY a drum major ...Amer. World War I sl.
• REGULAR FELLER a shipmate who is a good sport ...Amer. World War I sl.
• RETREAD orig. a retired soldier recalled to service; hence, a worker undergoing retraining ...1941 sl., chiefly Aust., NZ & US
• ROCKY a member of the Royal Navy Reserve...E20 nautical sl.
• ROYAL JOLLY a royal marine ...19C sl.
• SAIGON COWBOY a rear-echelon troop or civilian who dressed the part of a combat soldier but did not experience combat ...1977 US sl.
• SAILS a sailmaker's mate ...Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
• SALAMANDER a soldier who exposes himself to fire in battle ...1705
• SALT HORSE an officer with general duties ...1914 Brit. naval sl.
• SAMMY a US soldier in WWI ...1917 Brit. sl.
• SARG a sergeant, esp. as a familiar term of address ...M19 sl.
• SARGE a sergeant ...1867 sl., orig. US
• SARJ a sergeant, esp. as a familiar term of address ...M19 sl.
• SATURDAY NIGHT SOLDIER a volunteer soldier or a Territorial ...1917 sl.
• SATURDAY SOLDIER a military volunteer ...L19 sl.
• SCARLET RUNNER a soldier ...L19 sl.
• SCRAMBLED EGGS senior officers ...World War II Amer. services' sl.
• SERG a sergeant, esp. as a familiar term of address ...M19 sl.
• SHAKE AND BAKE a non-commissioned officer fresh out of training ...1985 US sl.
• SHAVETAIL a new recruit; a newly commissioned officer; a second lieutenant ...1891 Amer. dial.
• SHIP'S SHEENY an executive officer's yeoman ...Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
• SHORT-ARSE DRIVER an artillery driver, irrespective of height ...c1910 artillerymen's sl.
• SHORT-TIMER someone nearing the end of their military service ...1906 US sl.
• SICK-BAY COMMANDO a soldier who feigns illness to avoid combat duty ...1997 US sl.
• SICK-BAY LOUNGERS fellows that go to Sick Bay to avoid Divisions or studies ...20C Dartmouth Royal Naval College usage
• SICK-BAY TIFFY a medical orderly in the sick-bay ...1914 Royal Navy usage
• SIG a signaller ...WWI army usage
• SIGNAL BASHER a signaller ...c1930 army sl.
• SINGLE SENTINEL † a private soldier ...1721 Sc.
• SKEESICKS one's tent-mate ...US Civil War usage
• SKULKER a soldier who, by feigned sickness or other pretenses, evades his duty; a sailor keeps below in time of danger ...1785
• SLUM BURNER an army cook ...1930 military sl.
• SNAKE a sergeant ...1941 Aust. military sl.
• SNAKE CHARMER a bugler ...Brit. military usage Brit
• SNAKE EATER a special forces soldier trained in survival and commando tactics, the initiates of which actually kill and eat snakes ...1970s US Army usage
• SNEAKY PETE a member of a US Army long-range reconnaissance patrol unit ...1990 US sl.
• SNIPE an engine-room hand, aircraft mechanic, or other below-decks crew member ...1920 US Navy usage
• SNODDY a soldier ...L19 sl.
• SNOTTIE a midshipman ...navy sl.
• SNOTTY a midshipman ...1903 Brit. sl.
• SNOWDROP an American military policeman; hence, any military policeman ...1944 sl.
• SPARKS a wireless operator ...Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
• SPEC an enlisted man in the army employed on specialized duties; a specialist ...1958 US sl.
• SQUADDIE a soldier, esp. a private soldier ...1933 Brit. sl.
• SQUADDY a soldier, esp. a private soldier ...1933 Brit. sl.
• SQUAREHEAD (derogatory) a foreigner of Germanic extraction; a German soldier in World War I ...1903 sl., chiefly US
• STAFF WALLAH a noncombatant army officer ...1951 Brit. sl.
• STAMPS a mail orderly ...Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
• STRAIGHT LEG a member of the ground staff in an air force, as opposed to one of the flying personnel ...1951 US sl.
• STRATOCRAT a military ruler ...L19
• STRAWFOOT a rural or backwoods soldier ...US Civil War usage
• STRIKER soldier who works for an officer ...Amer. World War I sl.
• STRIPER an officer in the Royal Navy or the US Navy of a rank designated by the stated number of stripes on the uniform, and in the army to a lance-corporal (one-striper), corporal (two-striper), or sergeant (three-striper) ...1917 sl.
• SUBSTITUTE BROKER an agent whose business was to secure men to enlist as substitutes for men called to serve ...US Civil War usage
• SUDDART † a mercenary soldier ...1542 Sc.
• SWEAT any veteran ...1910s sl., orig. military
• TAB a staff officer ...World War I army sl.
• TAIL-END CHARLIE a rear-gunner in an aircraft ...1941 Royal Air Force sl.
• TAME JOLLY a militiaman ...19C sl.
• TANKIE the navigator's assistant, or the captain of the hold ...1909 Brit. naval sl.
• TANKY the navigator's assistant, or the captain of the hold ...1909 Brit. naval sl.
• TERRIER a Territorial ...1908 Brit. army sl.
• THINKING BAYONET a soldier ...World War I Amer. sl.
• THREE-STRIPER 1. a commander ...Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
2. in the army a sergeant ...1917 sl.
• TIFFY an engine room artificer ...1899 nautical sl.
• TOJO a Japanese soldier; Japanese forces collectively ...1942 services' sl.
• TOLPATCH a foot-soldier ...1705
• TOLPATZ a foot-soldier ...1705
• TOMMY a British private soldier ...1884 sl.
• TOMMY ATKINS a typical private soldier in the British army ...1883
• TOP a top sergeant ...1898 US military sl.
• TOP BRASS applied to officers of high rank in the armed services; hence, any group of people of high rank ...1949 sl., orig. US
• TOP CUTTER a first sergeant ...1898 US military sl.
• TOP KICK a first sergeant ...1898 US military sl.
• TOP KICKER a first sergeant ...1898 US military sl.
• TOPPER a first sergeant ...1918 US military sl.
• TOP SERGEANT a first sergeant ...1898 US military sl.
• TOP SOLDIER a first sergeant ...1898 US military sl.
• TRAIN WRECK a horribly wounded soldier or casualty department patient ...1978 US sl., orig. Vietnam medical corpsmen usage
• TWO-AND-ONE-HALF STRIPER a lieutenant commander ...Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
• TWO-STRIPER 1. a senior lieutenant ...Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
2. in the army a corporal ...1917 sl.
• UNCLE SAM'S PETS soldiers ...1940s US Black college sl.
• UNIFORM a member of the armed or uniformed services ...1940s homosexual sl.
• VET an ex-serviceman ...M19
• W2 the German Kaiser Wilhelm II; reigned 1888-1918); hence, any military-looking man ...L19 usage
• WAAC a member of the Women's Auxiliary Army Corps ...1917 colloq.
• WAAF a member of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force ...1939 colloq.
• WAAF-BASHER a male fornicator ...1941 Royal Air Force sl.
• WAGER † a mercenary soldier ...1375 Sc.
• WALTZING MATILDA an Australian soldier ...World War I Amer. sl.
• WAR-BOY in Africa: a coloured fighting man or soldier ...1889
• WAR-HEADLING † a military chieftain or commander ...a1300
• WAR-HORSE a veteran soldier or politician; a person full of warlike memories ...1884
• WAR-MAN * a fighting-man, a warrior, a soldier ...1456
• WARMONGER †* a mercenary soldier ...1590
• WHITEHALL WARRIOR an officer in the armed forces employed in administration rather than on active service ...1973 Brit. sl.
• WHITE HAT an enlisted man ...1956 US naval sl.
• WINCO a wing commander ...1941 RAF sl.
• WINGCO a wing commander ...1941 RAF sl.
• WINKO a wing commander ...1941 RAF sl.
• WIZZO the weapons officer on a military aircraft ...1998 US sl.
• WOBBLER an infantryman ...World War I Amer. sl.
• WOBBLY ORANGE a warrant officer in the Royal Air Force ...2002 UK sl.
• WOODBINE an English soldier ...1919 Aust. sl.
• WORM-CRUSHER a foot-soldier ...L19 UK army sl.
• WRAC a member of the Women's Royal Army Corps, the women's corps of the British Army ...1956 sl.
• WRAF a member of the Women's Royal Air Force, the women's corps of the Royal Air Force ...1921 sl.
• WREN a member of the Women's Royal Naval Service, the women's service of the Royal Navy ...1918
• YANKEE a nickname for a native or inhabitant of New England; or, more widely, of the northern States generally; during the War of Secession applied by the Confederates to the soldiers of the Federal army ...1765 US
• YANKEY a nickname for a native or inhabitant of New England; or, more widely, of the northern States generally; during the War of Secession applied by the Confederates to the soldiers of the Federal army ...1765 US
• YANKY a nickname for a native or inhabitant of New England; or, more widely, of the northern States generally; during the War of Secession applied by the Confederates to the soldiers of the Federal army ...1765 US
• YARDBIRD a newly arrived military recruit ...1945 US sl.
• YARMOUTH CAPON a soldier, i.e. his red coat ...E19 sl.
• YELLOW LEG a cavalryman ...World War I Amer. sl.
• ZOOMER a member of an aircrew ...World War II Aust. Air Force sl.
SERVICES - nouns, person, other
• FLOATER a woman who follows the fleet ...World War II Amer. sl.
• GULL a girl or a woman who follows the naval fleet or who follows a particular sailor; this includes sailors' wives ...World War II US naval sl.
• PIGS' MEAT officers' wives or mistresses ...c1930 Royal Navy sl.
• V GIRL a woman who is attracted to men in military uniform ...1960 US sl.
SERVICES - verbs
• ACCRUE CHOCOLATE to behave towards officers in an obsequious, sycophantic manner ...1929 UK Royal Navy usage
• BAG in the military: to destroy an enemy aircraft or other target in combat; to shoot down ...1919 US military sl.
• BEAUTIFY THE POST to cut the lawn, trim the hedge, paint, or the like ...Bk1944 service sl.
• BECOME A GOLD STAR IN MOTHER’S WINDOW to be killed in action ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BE STONKERED to be put out of action ...1914 military sl.
• BUST to demote in the armed services ...1918 sl.
• CASHIER † to discharge, to disband troops ...1598 military usage
• COME IN AT THE CABIN WINDOW to be appointed a ship's officer without having had sea experience ...1794 US nautical sl.
• COME IN THROUGH THE CABIN WINDOW to obtain a commission ...World War II Amer. Navy sl.
• CRACK in the US Air Force: to open sealed orders ...1958 Amer. Air Force usage
• CRUMB UP to get a haircut, shoeshine, freshly pressed shirt. etc., in preparation for an inspection ...World War II Amer. sl.
• DAG UP to smarten oneself for guard or parade ...E20 army sl.
• DRIVE THE TRAIN to lead a number of squadrons ...c1938 Royal Air Force usage
• DUCK UNCLE to avoid the draft ...M19 US sl.
• DUDE UP to dress in one's best uniform ...World War II Amer. sl.
• E AND E to avoid combat duty ...1979 US military use in Vietnam
• FALL OUT OF THE BOAT to become unpopular in a naval mess ...20C Royal Navy
• FLAMP to sell Army property illegally ...L19 army sl.
• HIT THE BEACH to go ashore on leave ...Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
• LEAGUER † to set one's leaguer, to encamp ...1629
• LEAVE †* to raise an army ...1590
• LIVE IN ONE'S CHEST(S) of midshipmen: to sleep in a hammock in the gun-room, where one's chest is kept ...L19 Royal Navy sl.
• POLICE to clean up a camp, barracks, parade ground, etc.; to make neat and orderly ...1857 US Army usage Dict
• POLICE UP to clean up a camp, barracks, parade ground, etc.; to make neat and orderly ...1857 US Army usage
• PULL to serve time in prison or in the armed forces ...1961 US sl.
• QUARTER-DECK during US Marine Corps basic training: to administer physical discipline or incentive ...2004 US sl.
• RIF to separate someone from military service or employment (Reduction In Force) ...1983 US sl.
• SADDLE UP to pick up your gear and resume a combat patrol ...1976 US sl.
• SECTION-EIGHT to discharge from the army under section eight of the US Army Regulations ...1943 US sl.
• SHIN THE CHAINS to go off ship without leave ...Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
• SHOOT UP to dive over a person or place in order to attack ...1937 Royal Air Force sl.
• SHOULDER WALNUT † to enlist as a soldier ...1838
• TAKE WAGES † to enlist, to take service ...c1440
• VETERANIZE to get out of the Army; to enjoy veteran status outside the Army ...US Civil War usage
• WAAFISE to substitute airwomen for airmen ...1941 Royal Air Force colloq.
• WALK of a military aviator: to suit up for battle ...2001 US sl.
• WARD † to man with a garrison; to protect or shield with some work or contrivance; to fortify a castle ...1340-70
• WORK THE TICKET to obtain one's discharge from the Army by having oneself adjudged physically unfit ...L1890s sl.
• YANK of British women: to pick up American servicemen during World War II ...1940s sl.
SERVICES - phrases
• BACK IN YOUR HOLE return to your room or barracks ...World War II Amer. sl.
• DAVID, SEND IT DOWN a soldier's greeting to a shower of rain likely to postpone a parade ...1981 US military sl.
• DAVY, SEND IT DOWN a soldier's greeting to a shower of rain likely to postpone a parade ...1981 US military sl.
• EAT THE APPLE, FUCK THE CORPS used as a defiant yet proud curse of the marines by the marines ...1976 US sl.
• OHIO an exhortation to desert - "Over the Hill In October" ...1941 US military usage
• ON THE STRENGTH on the muster roll ...1889 military sl.
• RIG IN YOUR BOOMS put down your elbows; used at mess in the Navy ...Amer. World War I sl.
• SIMPLE SAILOR, A a naval officer's self-description ...20C
• THROUGH THE CABIN-WINDOW of an officer obtaining his position: entirely through influence ...L19 Royal Navy officers' usage Partridge slang 2002
• UP THE HAWSE PIPE to have worked one's way up from the enlisted ranks in the Navy ...US Civil War usage
• WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? ON YOUR DADDY'S YACHT used rhetorically as a representation of the privileges of civilian life ...1962 UK military usage
• ADDRESSED TO of a missile, esp. a shell: aimed at ...1915 military sl.
• ARMY-BARMY very keen on or dedicated to military life in all its aspects ...c1955 army sl.
• ATE UP 1. in the US Air Force: dedicated to service ...1998 US sl.
2. in the US Army: confused, dim ...1998 US sl.
• BADGY of an enlistee: underage ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BALL-BEARING of a man: performing duties typically performed by a woman, as typing, etc ...a1945 US sl., esp. military usage
• BAPTIZED BY FIRE to have been under enemy fire for the first time; to have received one’s first wounds ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BIVOUCKY nuts from manoeuvres ...Bk1944 service sl.
• BLOODED said of a person or unit that saw combat ...Amer. World War I sl.
• BOBTAILED dishonourably discharged ...Amer. World War I sl.
• BRED TO ARMS brought up and educated for the life of a soldier ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BUSTED reduced in rank ...Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
• CHAIRBORNE sedentary; assigned to rear-echelon clerical or administrative duty ...1943 US military sl.
• FAT of a military unit: over-staffed ...1977 US Vietnam war usage
• GROSS clumsy or awkward in drill; stupid ...1833 US Military Academy usage
• HANDSOME † of military exploits: soldierly, gallant, brave, admirable ...1665 obs. or arch.
• HAZE GRAY navy ...1971 Amer. Navy sl.
• HORSESHIT in the military: overly concerned with the enforcement of petty regulations ...1959 US military usage
• HOT having a high security classification ...1956 USAF usage
• KICKED dishonourably discharged ...Amer. World War I sl.
• MAIN † of any army or multitude: great in numbers, numerous; powerful in arms ...a1400-50
• MARRIED TO BROWN BESS enlisted ...L18 Brit. military sl.
• MASTERING † of an army, a garrison: superior in force ...1711
• NAVIGABLE †* maritime; naval ...1642
• ON THE DAGS on furlough ...L19 Royal Navy sl.
• OUTSIDE out of the services ...L19 sl.
• OVER THE SIDE engaged in private business or sexual liaisons during duty hours ...1970 UK sl., orig. navy
• QUIMP unsoldierly; slack ...Amer. World War I sl.
• RAFFISH connected with the Royal Aircraft Factory ...1915 Air Force usage
• RASCAL † of soldiers: common, private ...1578
• ROCK-HAPPY mentally unhinged from serving too long on a (Pacific) island ...1946 US services' sl.
• SILVER-COOPED of a naval seaman: deserting for the merchant service ...L18 nautical colloq.
• STRATIOTIC † warlike; military; pertaining to war ...1656
• STRATOCRATIC pert. to stratocracy (see nouns) ...M19
• TACTIC † pert. to military or naval tactics; tactical ...1604
• UNFRAGGED not listed on the daily frag order specifying the military objectives of the day ...1986 Vietnam war usage
• VELITARY † pert. to or characteristic of light-armed troops ...1600
• WAGEABLE † that may be hired for military service, mercenary ...1614
• WAGED † of soldiers: mercenary ...c1440
• WARFARING waging war; taking part in war; militant ...1549
• WAR-HABLE † fit for war; of military age ...1590
SERVICES - nouns
• A AND A in the military: a leave for rest and recreation (Ass and Alcohol) ...1966 US sl.
• ALUMINUM WOMB the US Air Force Academy ...1965 US Air Force usage
• AMBUSH ALLEY a stretch of road made treacherous by enemy fire ...1952 US Military usage
• ANCHOR-CHAIN LIBERTY unauthorized liberty; absence without leave ...1952 Amer. navy sl.
• ANDREW, THE the Royal Navy ...1867 sl.
• ANGEL CAKE hardtack ...1963 Amer. military sl., now hist.
• ANGEL CAKE AND WINE bread and water in confinement ...Bk1944 service sl.
• ANGEL FOOD hardtack ...1899 US military, jocular
• ANGEL’S SCREAM a bugle call ...World War II Amer. sl.
• ANGEL’S WHISPER a bugle call ...World War II Amer. sl.
• ANGEL TRACK an armored personnel carrier used as a field ambulance ...1971 US Marine Corps usage
• ARMOR the steel helmet ...Bk1944 service sl.
• ARMY BIBLE army regulations ...Bk1944 service sl.
• ARTY artillery ...1864 US military sl.
• ASH-AND-TRASH cargo flown on military aircraft; hence a routine supply flight ...1983 US military sl.
• ASHCAN a heavy artillery shell ...1918 US army sl.
• ASPARAGUS an anti-tank obstacle consisting of an array of strong metal bars set in concrete at an angle of 45 degrees ...1939 Brit. sl.
• ASPARAGUS-BED n. an anti-tank obstacle consisting of an array of strong metal bars set in concrete at an angle of 45 degrees ...1939 Brit. sl.
• ASS-AND-TRASH personnel and equipment flown by military aircraft ...1983 US military sl.
• AWKWARD SQUAD where backward rookies receive elementary instruction ...Bk1944 service sl.
• BABY CARRIAGE, THE machine gun cart ...Bk1944 service sl.
• BABYSITTER in a fleet: a destroyer accompanying an aircraft carrier ...1965 US sl.
• BACK-DOOR FURLOUGH absence without leave; a desertion ...1927 US military sl.
• BAD PAPER in the military: any discharge other than an honourable discharge ...1971 US sl.
• BANTAM a jeep ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BAPTISM OF FIRE a soldier's first experience 'under fire' in battle ...1881
• BARBWIRE GARTERS a mythical award for those who got no special honours or decorations ...Amer. World War I sl.
• BARNAGE † a military company, army, followers ...1790 Sc.
• BARRACK † a temporary hut or cabin, as for the use of soldiers during a siege, etc. ...1686 obs. exc. N. Eng. dial.
• BARRACKS 13 the guardhouse ...Bk1944 service sl.
• BARRACKS FATIGUE a loafing in quarters ...Bk1944 service sl.
• BASTIMENT † military supplies, stores, provisions ...1598
• BATTLE BREAKFAST steak and eggs ...World War II Amer. Navy sl.
• BEARDED LADY a searchlight that diffuses ...Bk1944 service sl.
• BED OF HONOUR the grave of a soldier who has died on the field of battle ...1663
• BEEP a jeep ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BEHAVIOR REPORT a letter home from a military recruit to his girlfriend ...1945 US sl.
• BENEFIT any hardship or unpleasant feature of army life; used with obvious irony ...1968 US sl.
• BENNY a break in formation during which a soldier can rest or smoke ...Bk1944 service sl.
• B.G. before girls enlisted and complicated the army ...Bk1944 service sl.
• BIBLE the Army Field Manual ...Bk1944 service sl.
• BIG BERTHA 1. a German long-range gun of the heaviest calibre; broadly, a heavy artillery piece ...1914 military usage
2. a heavy artillery shell fired by a Big Bertha gun ...1915
• BIG BOY n. a heavy artillery piece, shell, bomber, tank, etc. ...1917 US military usage
• BIG BULLET an air-launched guided missile ...1985 US military usage
• BIG SET-TO a major engagement ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BIG SHOW a major engagement ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BIG STICK military power ...Spanish-American War era
• BIG TICKET an honourable discharge from military service ...US Civil War usage
• BIVVY a small tent or any temporary shelter for troops ...1916 sl.
• BIVY a small tent or any temporary shelter for troops ...1916 sl.
• BLACK GANG the engineer's force ...Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
• BLACK HAWK army necktie ...Bk1944 service sl.
• BLACK WEDNESDAY rifle calisthenics ...Bk1944 service sl.
• BLANKET PARTY a form of retribution in which a soldier is surprised, covered with a blanket, and beaten ...a1969 Amer. military sl.
• BLITZ BUGGY a reconnaissance car, esp. a midget truck manufactured by the Ford Motor Company for the Army ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BLITZES air patrols ...Bk1944 service sl.
• BLITZKRIEG written order from the commanding officer ...Bk1944 service sl.
• BLITZKRIEG RATING a promotion due to sudden expanse of the army ...Bk1944 service sl.
• BLITZ WAGON a staff car ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BLOOD AND IRON military force as distinguished from diplomacy ...1872
• BLOOD-TAX (derogatory) military conscription ...1890
• BLOWING SMOKE trying to impress an officer ...Bk1944 service sl.
• BLUE, THE the North and its army ...US Civil War usage
• BLUE AND THE GRAY, THE the armies of the North and the South ...US Civil War usage
• BLUE JOB the Navy ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BOAR'S NEST an untidy bunk and bunk area ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BOB TAIL a dishonourable discharge ...Bk1944 service sl.
• BOGGIES wheels on 3 inch anti-aircraft gun ...Bk1944 service sl.
• BOOB SQUAD a squad of newly recruited soldiers ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BOOT basic training received in a boot camp ...1944 US sl.
• BOOT CAMP a centre for the initial training of US naval or Marine recruits ...1916 US sl.
• BOX SCORE the number of dead, wounded, missing etc. ...1951 Amer. military sl.
• BRAIN GANG the staff of general headquarters ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BRAIN TRUST a group of highly qualified military advisors ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BRASS LIP ECHO a bugle call ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BROWN JOB a soldier; hence, collectively, the army ...1943 sl., orig. Royal Air Force usage
• BRUSH-OFF CLUB men in the armed forces who have been dumped by their girlfriends ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BUG an Army supply truck ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BULL-RING a military training ground ...1899 sl.
• BUNION BREEDERS infantry ...Bk1944 Amer. services sl.
• BUTTERBAR one of the two gold bars that are the insignia of the rank of second lieutenant ...1983 US military sl.
• BUTTERNUT a soldier or civilian of the Confederate States; a Southerner ...1862 US Army sl.
• BUZZARD 1. a military discharge certificate ...1888 Amer. military usage
2. the eagle worn as insignia by a colonel or naval captain ...1930s US military usage
• BUZZARD DETAIL a graves-registration detail ...1948 Amer. army usage
• BUZZER a military discharge certificate ...1918 Amer. army usage
• CAB a destroyer commanding officer's term for his ship ...WWII Royal Navy
• CABIN fourteen days confinement to the ship's cells ...L19 Royal Navy usage
• CADILLAC the US Army M-1 tank ...1991 US sl.
• CALICO ROW married quarters ...1893 US Army sl.
• CAMEL CORPS, THE the infantry ...1915 military jocular
• CAMPANIA † operations of an army in the field during a season ...1679
• CANNON FODDER n. soldiers, regarded as food for cannon ...Amer. World War I sl.
• CANOE COLLEGE, THE the US Naval Academy ...1969 US Navy sl.
• CANOE U. the US Naval Academy ...1963 US military sl.
• CANTEEN MEDAL a good conduct stripe for the consumption of liquor ...Bk1891 military sl.
• CASSATION † dismissal of a soldier; cashiering ...1602
• CATTLE BOAT a troop transport ship ...1944 US military sl.
• C.G.I. a strong desire to throw oneself upon the ship's deck during a dive-bombing attack (Corticene-Grabber's Itch) ...1940 Royal Aust. Navy usage
• CHARLEY an infantryman's pack ...20C army sl.
• CHARLIE an infantryman's pack ...20C army sl.
• CHEST HARDWARE military medals ...World War II US Armed Forces usage
• CHICKEN insignia of a US Army colonel or a US Navy captain: used disparagingly ..World War II US sl.
• CHICKEN MONEY the pay of an enlisted man when retired ...Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
• CHINESE GANGWAY (usually offensive) in the navy: the bringing of a vessel alongside bow-to-stern or down-current ...1951 Amer. navy sl.
• CHINESE LANDING in the navy: the bringing of a vessel alongside bow-to-stern or down-current ...1949 Amer. navy sl.
• CHINESE SHOW (usually offensive) a diversionary demonstration or attack ...1918 Amer. army sl.
• CHOGGY SHOP a shop catering to the needs of servicemen and women ...1995 UK military sl.
• CHUFF FACTOR, THE the degree of a soldier's acceptance, contentment, eagerness ...World War II sl.
• CORTICENE-GRABBER'S ITCH a strong desire to throw oneself upon the ship's deck during a dive-bombing attack ...1940 Royal Aust. Navy usage
• COSTUME JEWELRY an officer's insignia ...World War II Amer. sl.
• CROW the eagle on petty officers' sleeves ...Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
• CROW TRACKS chevrons ...US army usage
• CRUSH a body of troops or a unit of a regiment ...1916 military sl.
• DACHAU any military stockade ...1968 US Vietnam War usage
• DAD'S ARMY the Home Guard (1940-1945); hence, any grouping of older men with a united purpose; gently derogatory...1968 UK sl.
• DAFT AND BARMY the army ...1960s UK rhyming sl.
• DAILY EYE-WASH an official army communiqué ...World War I services' usage
• DAISY-CUTTER a perfect landing ...c1930 Royal Air Force usage
• DAMN-DAMN in Vietnam: bombardment, gunfire ...1982 US military usage
• DAVY CROCKETT a draft board official during World War II ...1940s US Black sl.
• DAY'S PACK, THE defaulter's punishment ...20C military sl.
• DEAD PAY † pay continued to a soldier, etc. no longer in active service; a soldier receiving such pay ...1585
• DEVIL'S VOICE a bugle call ...World War II Amer. sl.
• DINGLEBERRY a military decoration ...1953 US sl.
• DOGFIGHT a fight between two or more airplanes ...World War II Amer. sl.
• DOG-ROBBERS civilian clothes worn by a naval officer on shore leave ...1898 sl.
• DOG SHOW foot inspection ...World War II Amer. sl.
• DOGS OF WAR 1. artillery ...World War II Amer. sl.
2. bombers ...World War II Amer. sl.
3. warships ...World War II Amer. sl.
• DOODLEBUG a light tank ...World War II Amer. sl.
• EAGLE in the military: a discharge certificate ...1864 Amer. sl.
• EAGLE DAY payday ...1941 Amer. sl.
• EAGLE SHIT 1. government wages ...1980 US military usage
2. the gold ornamentation on the visor of a senior officer's cap ...1986 US military usage
• EAR a listening device; a bug; also, interception radar or sonar ...1934 US military usage
• EARLY OUT a separation from the armed forces that is earlier than anticipated ...1991 US sl.
• ELEPHANT a dug-out with a semi-circular corrugated-iron lining ...1917 Brit. sl.
• ELEPHANT DUG-OUT a dug-out with a semi-circular corrugated-iron lining ...1917 Brit. sl.
• ELEPHANTRY troops mounted on elephants ...1747
• ERK a naval rating ...1925 Brit. sl.
• FACES AND SPACES joint consideration of equipment and personnel for the field and non-field positions ...1986 US military usage
• FAMILY PRAYERS the daily staff conference at Headquarters ...World War II British army usage
• FANTERIE † infantry ...1601
• FARDAGE † the impedimenta of any army, baggage ...1578
• FEATS OF WAR † military duties or exercises ...1511-2
• FIRING LINE the army ...1923 Amer. dial.
• FIZZER a disciplinary charge ...a1935 Brit. army sl.
• FLAMING ARSEHOLE a large red circle painted on side of Japanese aircraft ...1942 Aust. airmen's usage
• FLAMING ONIONS a projectile consisting of about ten incendiary shells shot upwards in quick succession ...1917 sl.
• FLASH OF LIGHTNING the gold braid on an officer's cap ...Bk1893 nautical sl.
• FOGEY money received as longevity pay on completing five years of military service in peacetime, or three years in wartime ...Bk1974 Amer. sl.
• FOGY money received as longevity pay on completing five years of military service in peacetime,or three years in wartime ...Bk1974 Amer. sl.
• FRIED EGG the insignia of the US Military Academy ...1908 US sl.
• GADGET a rating badge ...Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
• GANTLOPE * a military punishment (sometimes also naval) in which the culprit had to run stripped to the waist between two rows of men who struck at him with a stick or a knotted cord ...1646
• GLASS-HOUSE, THE a military prison ...1925 Brit. sl.
• GRAY, THE the South and its army ...US Civil War usage
• GROUP GROPE in the navy: a manoeuvre or training exercise involving numerous vessels or aircraft ...1945 US Navy jocular
• GROWL in the navy: a radio communications transmission ...1962 Amer. sl.
• GROWLER in the navy: a public-address system ...1945 Amer. sl.
• GUN PET a parapet fortified to protect artillery ...1990 US sl.
• GUNS 1. to marines in Vietnam: a weapons squad or platoon ...1990 US sl.
2. a helicopter gunship ...1990 US Army Aero Weapons Platoon (Vietnam) usage
• GUTS-HORN, THE the dinner bugle call ...E20 army sl.
• GWENNIE 1. a high-angle, anti-aircraft gun on board ship ...20C Royal Navy usage
2. in World War II: any gun ...Royal Navy usage
• GWENNY 1. a high-angle, anti-aircraft gun on board ship ...20C Royal Navy usage
2. in World War II: any gun ...Royal Navy usage
• HACK in the Navy & US Marine Corps: confinement to quarters as punishment, esp. for officers ...1944 Amer. sl.
• HAM-BONE a sextant ...1938 naval sl.
• HARNESS † the baggage or portable equipment of an army, a party of travellers, etc. ...a1300
• HASH-MARK a military service stripe ...1909 US sl.
• HATE an artillery bombardment ...1915 Brit. sl.
• HAYBAG ROW the laundresses' quarters ...1925 Amer. army sl.
• HELL BOX a detonator ...1992 Amer. military sl.
• HELL BUGGY a battle tank ...1941 US Army jocular
• HIT TEAM a small task force ...1987 Amer. military sl.
• HITCH a period or duty or service; a period of enlistment ...c1905 Amer. military sl.
• HITCH a period of service, as in the armed forces ...1835 sl., chiefly US
• IMFU an immense military blunder; 'Imperial Military Fuck-up" ...World War II usage
• INCOMING MAIL artillery fire; also, bombs ...1919 US Army and Marine Corps usage
• IRK a naval rating ...1925 Brit. sl.
• IRON RATIONS US Army staples of hardtack, salt pork, and coffee ...US Civil War usage 2004
• JAAFU Joint Anglo-American Fuck-up - a confused situation caused by American and British military personnel ...World War II usage
• JACFU Joint American-Chinese Fuck-Up - a confused situation caused by American military personnel ...World War II usage Slang
• JACKET a military service record ...1930s US sl.
• JANFU Joint Army-Navy Fuck-Up - a colossal military blunder with contributions from the Army and the Navy ...US World War II usage
• JANKERS punishment for a defaulter ...1916 Brit. services' sl.
• JUNGLE JULIETS the women's reserve of the Marine Corps ...World War II Amer. sl.
• KATE, THE the British army ...L19 sl.
• KATE CARNEY, THE the British army ...20C rhyming sl.
• KATE KARNEY, THE the British army ...20C rhyming sl.
• KATE KEARNEY, THE the British army ...20C rhyming sl.
• LEAF leave of absence ...1846 military sl.
• LEAGUER 1. a military camp, esp. one engaged in a siege; an investing force ...1577
2. a military investment, a siege ...1598
• LEATHER-NECTARINES the women's reserve of the Marine Corps ...World War II Amer. sl.
• LEEF leave of absence ...1846 military sl.
• LEVET † a trumpet call or musical strain to rouse soldiers and others in the morning ...a1625
• LITTLE CHARLEY an infantryman's haversack ...M20 army sl.
• LOAFING NUMBER a nice easy job in depot ...20C Royal Navy sl.
• LOAFING STATIONS shore stations where men await drafting to ships ...20C Royal Navy sl.
• LZ a combat aircraft landing zone, esp. an improvised one ...1971 US sl.
• MAD MINUTE 1. one minute of rapid fire against enemy positions; broadly, any short period of intense military bombardment ...1917 Amer. military sl.
2. a minute of frenzied bayonet-practice ...1942 military sl.
• MAE WEST an M-3 battle tank ...1941 Amer. Army usage
• MAGGIE in the military, a red flag or disc used on a firing range to indicate failure to hit the target; hence, a complete miss on such a range ...1942-45 Amer. military sl.
• MAGGIE'S BRITCHES in the military, a red flag or disc used on a firing range to indicate failure to hit the target; hence, a complete miss on such a range ...1942 Amer. military sl.
• MAGGIE'S DRAWERS in the military, a red flag or disc used on a firing range to indicate failure to hit the target; hence, a complete miss on such a range ...1942 Amer. military sl.
• MAGGIE'S PANTS in the military, a red flag or disc used on a firing range to indicate failure to hit the target; hence, a complete miss on such a range ...1942 Amer. military sl.
• MAGPIE a shot from a rifle which strikes the outermost division by one of a target, and is signalled by a black and white flag ...1884 military sl.
• MAIL artillery fire; also, bombs ...1919 US Army and Marine Corps usage
• MAIN † a host of men; a military force ...a1000
• MAINWARD † the main body of an army ...1563-87
• MARITIME REGIMENT † the marines ...1668
• MARRIED PATCH, THE. married quarters in permanent barracks ...20C Brit. army sl.
• MEAT TICKET an identity disc; in reference to use of the identity disc in identifying dead service personnel ...1919 sl.
• MILLION-DOLLAR WOUND any wound that guarantees the victim a passage out of a war zone and back to the USA ...1940s US military sl.
• MOB a military unit ...1916 sl.
• MONKEY CAP an overseas cap...1919 Amer. Army sl.
• MONKEY DRILL 1. a mounted cavalry or artillery drill, often involving trick riding ..1901 US Army sl., now Hist.
2. a scaling or climbing drill ...1982 US Army sl.
• MONKEY HAT an overseas cap ...1917 US military sl.
• MOOSH a guardroom or cell; a military prison ...1917 sl.
• MOSQUITO BOAT a small river craft carrying light guns ...Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
• MULLIGAN BATTERY an army cook wagon ...Bk1942 Amer. sl.
• MUSH a guardroom or cell; a military prison ...1917 sl.
• NABU an irreconcilable mess (NonAdjustable Balls-Up) ...E20 Brit. military usage
• NAFFY a representation of the usual pronunciation of NAAFI - Navy, Army, and Air Force Institution, and organization providing canteens, shops, etc. for British forces personnel ...1937 Brit. sl.
• NAIL KEG an artillery shell ...1894 Amer. military sl.
• NASHO compulsory military training ...1962 Aust. sl.
• NASTYGRAM a written reprimand or record of misconduct; hence, an unpleasant written notice ...1966-67 US sl., chiefly military
• NAUTICS, THE the Royal Navy ...1951 Brit. sl., orig. Royal Air Force usage
• NAVEY † a navy ...1387
• NAVIN † shipping, fleet, navy ...1375 Sc.
• NO-CLAP MEDAL the Good Conduct Medal ...WW II Army use
• O CLUB in the US armed forces: an officer's club ...1986 US sl.
• OBBO an observation balloon ...1925 sl.
• OBO an observation balloon ...1925 sl.
• ODDS AND SODS n. service personnel assigned to miscellaneous tasks or not regularly classified ...1930 sl.
• OD's a drab olive military uniform ...1955 US sl.
• OFFICE HOURS n. a time devoted to reprimand or evaluation of subordinates; a disciplinary session ...1898 US military sl.
• OFFICER'S COUNTRY officer's quarters ...1945 US Navy usage
• OLD CHARLEY an infantryman's pack ...20C army sl.
• OP a military operation ...1925 sl.
• OUTFIT a regiment or other military unit ...1916 sl.
• OUTGOING MAIL artillery fire; also, bombs ...1919 US Army and Marine Corps usage
• PARTY a military engagement ...1942 sl.
• PEAS ON A TRENCHER the breakfast bugle call ...US Civil War usage
• PIN-PARTY a gang of flight-deck workers on an aircraft-carrier who prepare aircraft for take-off ...1942 naval sl.
• PIP a star worn on an officer's epaulette ...1917 sl.
• PIPE-DOWN military tattoo ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• POUND AND PINT a sailor's ration of food and drink ...1865 Brit. naval sl.
• PUDDING AND GRAVY the navy ...Brit. rhyming sl.
• PUMPKIN RINDS shoulder straps as insignia of military rank, usually yellow ...Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
• R AND R 'Rest and Rotation'; a transfer or leave from a fighting military unit to a base or town removed from the fighting; a short leave or vacation given a soldier from the front lines to a rest camp or town ...World War II US Army usage
• RABBITS illicit goods smuggled ashore by Naval ratings going on leave ...20C Royal Navy usage
• RACE-CARD the morning sick-report ...World War I Army jocular
• RAFF, THE the Royal Air Force ...1918 Royal Air Force colloq.
• RAG FAIR an inspection of soldiers' kit-bags, etc. ...1785 military sl.
• RAILROAD TRACKS an Army captain's insigne bars ...World War II US usage
• RANGALE † 1. the ranks or main body of an army ...c1330 chiefly Sc.
† 2. rabble, esp. of an army; camp-followers ...1375 Sc.
• RAPPEL the roll or beat of a drum to summon soldiers to arms ...1848
• RAT † a file of soldiers ...1646 Sc.
• RATT(E) † a line or file of soldiers ...1775 Sc.
• REBEL YELL the Confederate battle cry; a prolonged, high-pitched cry issued before combat ...US Civil War usage
• RED DUSTER, THE the red ensign. the flag of the British merchant navy ...1925 sl.
• RED RAG the pennant flying during meals ...Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
• ROAST BEEF the dinner bugle call ...US Civil War usage
• ROPE YARN HOLIDAY a half holiday ...Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
• S.A.B.U. a Self-Adjusting Balls Up ...1940 army sl.
• SAMFU a military mess which will straighten itself out in time (Self-Adjusting Military Fuck-Up) ...World War II Brit. usage
• SAND BOX EXPRESS military transport to Saudi Arabia or Kuwait during the first Gulf war ...1991 US sl.
• SANK WORK the making of soldiers' clothes ...L18 sl.
• S.A.P.F.U. a military blunder; Surpassing All Previous Fuck-Ups ...World War II US military sl.
• SCARLET FEVER a partiality for soldiers or soldiering ...M19 sl.
• SCRAMBLED EGG the gold braid or insignia on an officer's dress uniform ...1943 sl., mainly services'
• SCRAN service rations ...1916 naval sl.
• SECTION EIGHT a discharge from the army under section eight of the US Army Regulations 615-360 on the grounds of insanity or inability to adjust to army life ...1943 US sl.
• SHORT-ARM INSPECTION an inspection to detect symptoms of venereal disease ...c1910 military sl.
• SIGHING SARAH a shell that 'sighs' in its distant flight ...WWI military usage
• SILVER SAUSAGE a barrage balloon ...1938 sl.
• SIX-TO-SIX a conversation between two unit commanders ...1991 US sl.
• SLUM-GUN a mobile army kitchen ...1917 military sl.
• SMALL TICKET a dishonourable discharge from the Navy ...Amer. World War I sl.
• SNAKE-PEN a sergeants' mess ...1941 Aust. sl.
• SNAKE-PIT a sergeants' mess ...1941 Aust. sl.
• SOAPSUDS ROW married quarters ...Spanish-American War era
• SOUP GUN a mobile army kitchen ...1918 US military sl.
• SPAM MEDAL a medal awarded to all the members of a force ...military sl.
• SQUARE-BASHING military marching and drill ...1943 Brit. sl.
• SQUARE RIG the uniform of a naval rating ...1951 sl.
• STONE FRIGATE a naval shore establishment or barracks ...1917 Brit. sl.
• STRATOCRACY government or political control by the army; military rule ...M17
• STRING OF BACON campaign ribbons ...1976 US military sl.
• SWAB an epaulet of a naval officer ...US Civil War usage
• TABU a typical army mess (Typical Army Balls-Up) ...World War II Brit. military usage
• TAFUBAR an extremely bad situation (Things Are Fucked-Up Beyond All Recognition) ...World War II military usage
• TAPE a chevron indicating rank ...1943 Brit. sl.
• TIN CAN a destroyer ...US Navy sl.
• TOLPATCHERY infantry ...1864 nonce word
• TOOL-CHECK a military inspection of the male genitals for venereal disease ...E20 Brit. military sl.
• TRACK an armoured personnel carrier, esp. the M-113 ...1971 US sl.
• TRICK a term of service on a ship or in the forces ...1942 US sl.
• TRIPLE-A anti-aircraft fire ...1983 sl., orig. US
• UNCLE CHARLEY an infantryman's pack ...20C army sl.
• UNCLE SAM'S ACTION introduction into one of the services (after being drafted) ...1940s US Black sl.
• VENLIN † a company of soldiers ...1541
• WAAFERY the part of the camp frequented by members of the WAAF; also, the billets occupied ...1939 Royal Air Force sl.
• WAKE-UP n. a short time remaining on a jail sentence or term of military service, esp. the last morning ...1950 US sl.
• WARD † a garrison ...c1500
• WARPAINT military uniform ...M19 sl.
• WAVY NAVY, THE the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve ...1918 sl.
• WORY any military reminiscence ...c1950 army usage
• WRENNERY a building used to accommodate Wrens ...1943 Brit. jocular
• ZERO-DARK-THIRTY the wee hours of the morning, before or roughly at dawn ...1980 US military sl.
SERVICES - nouns, person
• AB a Northern soldier in the US Civil War ...1862 US South
• ABDUL a nickname for a Turkish soldier, esp. during WWI ...1915 Aust.
• ABDULLAH a nickname for a Turkish soldier, esp. during WWI ...1915 Aust.
• ABSENT-MINDED BEGGAR a soldier ...1899 Eng. sl.
• ACE a White serviceman ...1966 US Army sl.
• ACE OF ACES a combat aviator who brought down or killed twenty-give or more enemy aircraft ...Amer. World War I sl.
• ACTING GADGET acting corporal ...Bk1944 service sl.
• ACTING JACK an acting sergeant; a soldier wearing the insignia of and having the authority of a sergeant but without the official rank; a temporary sergeant ...Amer. World War I sl.
• AGGIE 1. the adjutant general ...Amer. World War I sl.
2. a homosexual sailor ...1980s US homosexual sl.
• AMEN-WALLAH an army chaplain's clerk ...B1900 sl.
• AMGRUNT a member of an amphibious Martine Corps unit ...1971 US Marine Corps usage
• ANCHOR the midshipman having the lowest academic standing in his class ...1906 US Naval Academy usage
• ANCHORMAN the student having the lowest academic standing in his class ...1928 US Naval Academy usage
• ANGEL FACE an officer either young or boyish looking ...WWI Eng.
• ANIMAL a newly arrived cadet ...1871 US Military Academy usage
• ANSWER TO A SHE-GAL’S DREAM a male member of the armed forces ...World War II Amer. sl.
• ANZAC an Australian or NZ soldier, esp. with the Gallipoli service ...WWI
• APPLE KNOCKER upstate farm hand now in infantry ...Bk1944 service sl.
• ARM DROPPER section chief or sergeant who signals to fire ...Bk1944 service sl.
• ARMY BRAT a person who grew up the child of a career member of the army ...1931 US sl.
• ARMY DICK a military policeman ...World War II Amer. sl.
• ARMY LID a radio operator ...World War II Amer. sl.
• ARMY TANK an American serviceman ...1942 Aust. rhyming sl., prisoners-of-war usage, in the Far East
• ARSE-END CHARLIE 'the man who weaves backwards and forwards above and behind the Squadron' to protect them from attack from the rear' ...1939 Royal Air Force usage
• ARTHUR DONOVAN, AN a soldier who thinks he can referee war manoeuvres ...Bk1944 service sl.
• ARVIN any South Vietnamese soldier ...1966 US sl.
• ASTHMA a company wit; one full of ‘wheezes’ (jokes) ...World War II Amer. sl.
• ATKINS a typical private solder in the British army ...L19 sl.
• ATS a member of the Auxiliary Territorial Service, a British army corps consisting of women ...1941 Brit. sl.
• ATTABOY an American soldier ...Amer. World War I sl.
• AWKWARD SQUAD army recruits drilling ...B1890 Eng.
• B.A. an officer, esp. a cadet officer, who has been reduced in rank (Busted Aristocrat) ...1900 US Army sl.
• BABE the youngest member of a class of cadets ...1871 US Military Academy usage
• BABY 007 in the Vietnam war: an investigative agent from the Army Criminal Investigation Division, most likely working undercover to identify drug users ...1991 US sl.
• BABY HERO in the Vietnam war: a brave soldier ...1991 US sl.
• BABY-SAN an inexperienced, untested soldier ...1990 US sl.
• BACK-YARD SOLDIER one who lives nearby and goes home on the weekends ...Bk1944 service sl.
• BAM a ‘broad-assed Marine’, i.e. a woman Marine ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BANTAM DOUGHBOY n. an American who fell under the regulation height but was allowed to enter the service ...Amer. World War I sl.
• BARBER-BAIT a recruit ...1945 US sl.
• BARON an army commander ...1919 sl.
• BATMAN a man in charge of a bat-horse and its load; a military servant of a cavalry officer ...1809
• BATTLING SONS OF THE AIR airmen ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BAWHAWDER any great soldier ...Bk1892 Anglo-Indian sl.
• BAYMAN a sick-bay nurse ...1888 US nautical
• BAYONET a soldier ...US Civil War usage
• B BOY playful allusion to a mess sergeant ...Bk1944 service sl.
• BEACH COMBER a sailor on shore leave ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BEACH POUNDER a member of the Coast Guard, i.e. one who patrols or ‘pounds’ the shore ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BEAN KING an Army mess officer ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BEANS a commissary sergeant ...Amer. World War I sl.
• BEAN SHOOTER a commissary officer ...Amer. World War I sl.
• BEAR CAT a hard-fighting soldier ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BEDET † a horseman's or soldier's boy employed to carry his baggage ...1633
• BEDPAN COMMANDO a medical corpsman ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BEETLE-CRUSHER an infantry soldier ...Bk1933 sl.
• BEETLE-SQUASHER an infantry soldier ...Bk1933 sl.
• BELLYROBBER a commissary steward ...Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
• BENNY a sloppy soldier ...Bk1944 service sl.
• BESOGNIO † a raw recruit/soldier ...1591
• BESONIO † a raw recruit/soldier ...1591
• BIG BOOT the General ...Bk1944 service sl.
• BIG BOW-WOW a regimental sergeant-major ...Amer. World War I sl.
• BIG BRASS applied to officers of high rank in the armed services; hence, any group of people of high rank ...1899 sl., orig. US
• BIG JOHN a recruit from the country ...Bk1944 service sl.
• BING BOY a Canadian soldier ...Amer. World War I sl.
• BLANKET SOLDIER a military policeman; so called because his other names are unfit for publication ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BLANK FILE a stupid soldier ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BLISTER FOOT an infantryman ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BLISTER MECHANIC a hospital corpsman ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BLUEBEAK a young recruit ...1898 army sl.
• BLUE BOY a French soldier ...Amer. World War I sl.
• BLUECOAT a soldier in the Federal army during the Civil War ...1865 US
• BOCHE (derogatory) a German; a German soldier; Germans collectively ...1914 sl.
• BODY SNATCHER 1. a sniper at the front ...Amer. World War I sl.
2. a stretcher bearer ...Amer. World War I sl.
• BOLO a soldier who fails on the firing range ...Bk1944 service sl.
• BOMB-A-DEER bomber personnel ...Bk1944 service sl.
• BOOB a Navy recruit ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BOOMALALLY orig. a cadet of the South Carolina Military Academy; later, any soldier, esp. one on parade marching to music ...1952 Amer. dial.
• BOOT a trainee in a military boot camp; a recruit ...1915 Amer. dial.
• BOTTLE-CAP COLONEL a lieutenant-colonel in the US Army ...1986 US Vietnam War usage
• BOY IN BROWN a soldier ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BOYS IN BLUE Union soldiers ...US Civil War usage
• BOYS IN GRAY Confederate soldiers ...US Civil War usage
• BOY UPSTAIRS a pilot, gunner, or bombardier, when in flight ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BRAINS an intelligence officer ...Amer. World War I sl.
• BRASS officers of high rank in the armed services ...c1864 sl., orig. US
• BRASS-HAT an officer of high rank in the armed services ...1893 sl., orig. Brit.
• BRASS LOOIE a lieutenant ... World War I Amer. sl.
• BRASS LOOT a second lieutenant ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BRIGHT-LIGHT FELLOW one who requests repeated leaves; i.e., one who seeks the bright lights and good times of the city ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BROKEN STRIPER a chief warrant officer ...Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
• BROWN JOB a soldier; hence, collectively, the army ...1943 sl., orig. Royal Air Force usage
• BUCK a private; a common soldier ...Amer. World War I sl.
• BUCK-ASS a private soldier; in the US Air Force, a basic airman ...1965 US sl.
• BUCK-ASS PRIVATE a private soldier; in the US Air Force, a basic airman ...1945 US sl.
• BUCK GENERAL a brigadier general ...1944 US sl.
• BUCK PRIVATE a private soldier; in the US Air Force, a basic airman ...1874 US sl.
• BUCK SERGEANT an ordinary sergeant of the lowest grade ...1934 US sl.
• BUMBOAT a hawker or peddler aboard a Navy ship ...Amer. World War I sl.
• BUMMER a person more interested in the spoils of war than in good conduct; a predatory soldier ...US Civil War usage
• BUNTING a signaller ...1909 navy sl.
• BUTCH a medical officer ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BUTT-END CHARLIE a tail gunner in a bomber ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BUTTERBAR a second lieutenant ...1973 US sl.
• BUTTERMILK RANGER a cavalryman; used derisively ...1867 US Confederate Army usage
• BUTTERNUT a soldier or civilian of the Confederate States; a Southerner ...1862 US Army sl.
• BUTTON CHOPPER a laundry worker ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BUZZARD a naval petty officer ...1894 US Navy usage
• BUZZARD-BUSTER a member of an antiaircraft unit ...1942 Amer. army usage
• BUZZARD COLONEL a full colonel ...1930s US military usage
• CABBAGE HAT a Royal Marine ...1979 UK sl.
• CADDIE † a cadet in the army ...1724 Sc.
• CADDY a cadet in the army ...1724 Sc.
• CADET a gentleman who entered the army without a commission, to learn the profession ...M17 hist.
• CADET WIDOW a young woman popular with several classes of cadets ...World War II Amer. sl.
• CADIE a cadet in the army ...1724 Sc.
• CAITIFF a third-classman ...1834 US Military Academy usage
• CAMP-CHAPLAIN † an army chaplain ...1679-88
• CAMPER † one who belongs to a camp; a soldier, a military man; a camp-follower ...1631
• CAMPFIRE GIRL a soldier ...1970s US homosexual sl.
• CAMP-MASTER-GENERAL † a field-marshal ...a1569
• CANTEEN RAT an old soldier who constantly hangs about by the canteen, in order to be treated ...20C military colloq.
• CAPTAIN CORK a nickname for a man who is slow in passing the bottle ...Bk1891 military sl.
• CAPTAIN'S MOUTHORGAN a company clerk ...World War II Amer. sl.
• CARE BOY a tank driver ...World War II Amer. sl.
• CARPET-BAG RECRUIT a recruit worth more than what he stands up in ...c1875 military sl.
• CARPET KNIGHT a soldier who remains at home during a war and does not go into combat ...World War II Amer. sl.
• CATAPHRACT a soldier in full armour ...1671
• CC PUSHER a rear-echelon member of the US Army Medical Corps ...1941 US Army sl.
• CHAIRBORNE COMMANDO a clerk-typist or administrative officer; used derisively ...1945 US Army sl.
• CHAIRBORNE INFANTRY desk men in general; used derisively ...1944 US Army sl.
• CHAIRBORNE RANGER a clerk-typist or administrative officer; used derisively ...1972 US Army sl.
• CHARLEY 1. a Japanese soldier; Japanese forces collectively ...1942 US services' sl.
2. a person from Vietnam; North Vietnamese or Vietcong soldier(s) ...1965 US services' sl.
• CHARLIE 1. a Japanese soldier; Japanese forces collectively ...1942 US services' sl.
2. a person from Vietnam; North Vietnamese or Vietcong soldier(s) ...1965 US services' sl.
• CHEST STOOGE a junior detailed to keep a Cadet Captain's sea-chest tidy for him ...1939 Royal Navy Cadets' usage
• CHICKEN a young sailor or soldier; a novice ...1888 Amer. dial.
• CHICKEN COLONEL a full colonel in the US Army or Air Force ...1910s US sl.
• CHIEF ITCH AND RUB the most important person; the head of any group, as an Army officer, office overseer, etc. ...20C Amer. sl.
• CHIEFY a flight sergeant ...1942 RAF sl.
• CHINESER a US military serviceman on duty in China ...1941 US military sl.
• CHOCKO a militiaman or conscripted soldier ...1943 Aust. sl.
• CHOCO a militiaman or conscripted soldier ...1943 Aust. sl.
• CHOCOLATE SOLDIER 1. (derogatory) a member of an Australian militia during World War II who did not serve in a theatre of war ...1943 Aust. sl.
2. a soldier unwilling to fight ...1940s Aust. sl.
• CHOOM an English soldier ...1916 Aust. & NZ sl.
• CHOW HOUND someone always at the head of a mess line ...World War II Amer. sl.
• CHRISTMAS CARD a train guard, a military guard ...1950s rhyming sl.
• CINDER-KNOTTER a stoker ...1909 Royal Navy sl.
• CINDER SHIFTER an infantryman marching on a drill field packed with cinders ...World War II Amer. sl.
• COMPANY STOOGE. a company clerk ...World War II Amer. sl.
• CONCHIE (derogatory) a conscientious objector ...1917 sl.
• CONCHY (derogatory) a conscientious objector ...1917 sl.
• CONSHY (derogatory) a conscientious objector ...1917 sl.
• COOLIE a private soldier ...M19 sl.
• CORNER TURNER a deserter ...World War II Amer. sl.
• CORP a corporal ...1909 sl.
• CRAB a member of the Royal Air Force ...1983 UK sl.
• CROW a US Navy chief or captain who wears the eagle in various insignia ...WW I US Navy usage
• CUTHBERT (derogatory) a man who deliberately avoids military service, esp. (in World War I) one who did so by getting a job in a government office or the civil service ...1917 Brit. sl.
• CUT-LUNCH COMMANDO a soldier who does not see active service, esp. a reservist; used contemptuously ...1952 Aust. sl.
• DADDY in the US Army, your supervising officer ...1968 US sl.
• DAT a tank-crew member (DumbAss Tanker) ...1970s US Army sl.
• DEADBEAT anyone exempt from military action, even if in uniform ...US Civil War usage
• DECK APE a sailor whose duties keep him on the deck ...World War II Amer. sl.
• DEEDONC a French soldier ...Amer. World War I sl.
• DEVIL DOG a United States Marine ...1915 colloq.
• DEVIL-DOGS OF THE SEA the Marines ...World War II Amer. sl.
• DEVIL-DOGS ON THE MARCH marines on the march, esp. in battle ...World War II Amer. sl.
• DICKSMITH a US Navy hospital corpsman ...1974 US sl.
• DIDONK a French soldier ...Amer. World War I sl.
• DILBERT a sailor who is a foul-up or a screwball ...World War II Amer. sl.
• DODO a cadet before he starts solo flying ...World War II Amer. sl.
• DOG an infantryman ...World War II Amer. sl.
• DOGFACE a soldier, esp. an ordinary infantryman in the US army ....1932 US sl.
• DOGGIE an infantryman ...World War II Amer. sl.
• DOG-ROBBER a navy or army officer's orderly ...1863 sl., orig. US
• DOGS OF WAR Marines ...World War II Amer. sl.
• DOODLE a Union soldier; a Confederate term ... ...US Civil War usage
• DOUBLE-SILVER-BAR JOHN an Army captain, whose insignia is two parallel bars ...World War II Amer. sl.
• DOUGHBOY a US infantryman, esp. in World War I ...1847 US sl.
• DOUGHFOOT a soldier, esp. an ordinary infantryman in the US army ...Amer. World War I sl.
• DRAFT-BAIT one awaiting to be drafted into the armed service ...1942 US sl.
• DUG-OUT a superannuated officer, etc. recalled for temporary military service ...1915 Brit. sl.
• DUST DISTURBER an infantryman ...Amer. World War I sl.
• DYNAMO BUSTER an electrician ...Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
• EAGLE a student pilot ...World War II Amer. sl.
• EAGLE COLONEL a bird colonel ...1978 US Army sl.
• EAGLET a young aviator ...World War II Amer. sl.
• ECHELON HOUND a holder of a soft job in a rear echelon ...1922 US Army usage
• ECHELON KING a holder of a soft job in a rear echelon ...1922 US Army usage
• EGG a new member of a unit ...Amer. World War I sl.
• EGGS-A-COOK Australian soldiers ...1915 Aust. military sl.
• EIGHT BALL a soldier who got into trouble so much that he was a liability to his unit ...World War II Amer. sl.
• EIGHTEEN-POUNDER an underage recruit (under eighteen years old) ...Amer. World War I sl.
• EMILY POSTERS naval cadets; they were given a condensed edition of an etiquette book by Emily Post ...World War II Amer. sl.
• ERK someone of lowest rank, an aircraftman ...1928 RAF sl.
• FAGGOT † a man mustered for duty in the army (and thus 'bound' for service) but not yet formally enlisted; one temporarily hired to supply a deficiency at the muster, or on the roll of a company or regiment ...L17 military sl.
• FAGOT a man mustered as a soldier, but not yet formally enlisted ...L17 sl.
• FAIRY an avionics tradesman in the Royal Air Force ...2002 UK sl.
• FANCY-MAN a member of a warship's crew who does not stand watch; an idler; broadly, a person lacking practical experience ...1818 Amer. nautical sl.
• FANOOGIE during the Vietnam War: a soldier freshly arrived in Vietnam ...1991 US sl.
• FANTERIES † foot-soldiers ...a1577
• FAST BURNER a person who is advancing quickly through the ranks ...1986 US Air Force usage
• F.B.I.'s Forgotten Boys of Iceland; army soldiers in Iceland gave themselves this nickname ...World War II Amer. sl.
• FEMARINES the women's reserve of the Marine Corps ...World War II Amer. sl.
• FENUGIE during the Vietnam War: a soldier freshly arrived in Vietnam ...1991 US sl.
• FIGUREHEAD a company clerk, because he often served as a stand-in for the commander ...World War II Amer. sl.
• FILE in the military, a fellow, esp. a soldier ...1837 sl.
• FISH a man who is afraid to fly in an airplane ...Amer. World War I sl.
• FIVE-FOR-SIXER a money-lender aboard ship ...Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
• FLAGS a signal quartermaster ...Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
• FLY BOY a member of an air force, esp. a pilot ...1937 US sl.
• FOOTPOUNDER. an infantry soldier ...1986 US sl.
• FOOT SLOGGER an infantryman ...Amer. World War I sl.
• FOUR-STRIPER a captain ...Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
• FRESH MEAT a newly arrived soldier ...1908 US sl.
• FRITZ (mainly derogatory) a German; a German soldier of World War I ...1915 sl.
• FULL SCREW a corporal in the army ...1995 UK sl.
• GALLOOT an oaf; an awkward soldier; a young marine ...1812 sl.
• GALOOT an awkward soldier; a young marine ...1812 sl.
• GI JOE a US soldier, esp. an enlisted soldier of and since World War II ...World War II Amer. sl.
• GIMPER a special and most dependable buddy; a highly competent airman ...Amer. World War I sl.
• GIPPO (usually derogatory) a native Egyptian soldier ...1916 sl.
• GIPPY (usually derogatory) a native Egyptian soldier ...a1889 sl.
• GIRENE a US Marine ...1894 US sl.
• GLAMOUR BOY. a member of the Royal Air Force ...1941 Brit. sl.
• GOAT a junior officer ...US Civil War usage
• GODDAM an English soldier ...M19 arch.
• GOLD BRICK a shirker; one who tries to avoid work or to get an easy job; a non-combatant ...Amer. World War I sl.
• GOMER a US Marine, esp. a clumsy trainee ...1984 US sl.
• GOOPHER a competent airman who is almost of top quality ...Amer. World War I sl.
• GRAVEL AGITATOR (derogatory) an infantry soldier; also, a drill instructor ...1898 sl.
• GRAVEL CRUNCHER an infantryman ...Amer. World War I sl.
• GRAVEL-CRUSHER (derogatory) an infantry soldier; also, a drill instructor ...1889 sl.
• GRAVEL-GRINDER (derogatory) an infantry soldier; also, a drill instructor ...1890 sl.
• GRAYBACK a Confederate soldier ...US Civil War usage
• GRAYCOAT a Confederate soldier ...US Civil War usage
• GROUNDHOG an infantryman in the trenches ...Amer. World War I sl.
• GROUND-POUNDER an infantry soldier ...1942 US Army & US Marine Corps usage
• GROUPER a group commander ...1963 US Air Force usage
• GROUPIE a group captain ...1943 RAF sl.
• GRUB BOSS in the army: the quartermaster sergeant ...1899 US Army usage
• GRUNT a combat soldier, a Marine soldier or a non-flying Air Force officer ...1968 US sl.
• GRUNTER an officer ...c1915 Royal Navy sl.
• GULPIN a marine ...B1900 nautical
• GUN APE an artillery soldier ...1988 US sl.
• GUNBUNNY an artillery man ...1970s US Army sl.
• GUN DOCTOR a gunner's mate ...Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
• GUNGINEER an engineer officer turned over to gun-mounting ...c1930 Royal Navy usage
• GUNNER'S TAILOR † the rating who made the cartridge bags ...1867 naval usage
• GUNNERY JACK a gunnery lieutenant ...L19 Royal Navy usage
• GUNNY a gunnery sergeant ...1940s US Marine Corps usage
• GUNS a gunnery-lieutenant ...c1910 Royal Navy usage
• GUPPY a navy diver who is not SCUBA qualified ...1991 US Navy usage
• GUSSIE a nickname for an officer ...c1930 army sl.
• GUT-SPILLER a Ghurka soldier ...World War II Aust. servicemen's usage
• GUY 1. one who tricked men into joining the navy ...M19 sl.
2. an American soldier ...1918 military sl.
• GWENNIE the gunner ...c1918 Royal Navy usage
• GWENNY the gunner ...c1918 Royal Navy usage
• GYPO (usually derogatory) a native Egyptian soldier ...1916 sl.
• GYPPIE (usually derogatory) a native Egyptian soldier ...a1889 sl.
• GYPPO (usually derogatory) a native Egyptian soldier ...1916 sl.
• GYPPY (usually derogatory) a native Egyptian soldier ...a1889 sl.
• GYRENE a member of the US Marine Corps' a marine ...1894 Amer. sl., orig. Navy usage
• HAIRY a former non-commissioned officer training to become an officer ...1981 UK military sl.
• HAIRY-ASSED MARINE a marine who postures toughness ...1956 Amer. dial.
• HALF COLONEL a lieutenant-colonel ...1956 US sl.
• HALF-LOOT a second lieutenant ...Amer. World War I sl.
• HARDCORE a regular soldier of the North Vietnamese army or the Viet Cong ...1991 US sl.
• HARD HAT an elite, full-time Viet Cong soldier ...1965 US sl.
• HARDHEAD a cavalryman ...Amer. World War I sl.
• HARLEY a stupid or blundering soldier ...c1945 Amer. sl.
• HAYBAG a laundress on a military base ...1865 Amer. army sl.
• HEINE a German; a German soldier...1904 N. Amer. sl.
• HEINIE a German; a German soldier...1904 N. Amer. sl.
• HIGH BRASS applied to officers of high rank in the armed services; hence, any group of people of high rank ...1941 sl., orig. US
• HIGHER-UP an officer ...Amer. World War I sl.
• HINEY a German; a German soldier...1904 N. Amer. sl.
• HOBO a provost-sergeant ...Amer. World War I sl.
• HORSE-FLY a cavalryman ...1926 US Army usage
• HORSE-HANDLER an uninfluential or sycophantic aide or executive officer ...1984-88 US Army usage
• HORSE-HOLDER an uninfluential or sycophantic aide or executive officer ...1982 US Army usage
• HOSPITAL BUMMER one who fakes his way out of combat and into a military hospital ...US Civil War usage
• HUMAN CYCLONES the Marines ...Amer. World War I sl.
• INISKILLEN MEN (derogatory) the militia ...L17 sl.
• IRK someone of lowest rank, an aircraftman ...1928 RAF sl.
• IVAN a Russian private soldier ...1914 military colloq.
• JACK 1. a native soldier ...1853 Anglo-Indian colloq.
2. a military policeman ...1919 sl.
3. a corporal ...1940s US military sl.
• JACKMAN an armed serving man ...1820 Sc.
• JACK SHALLOO an (excessively) easy-going naval officer ...1904 naval sl.
• JACK SHILLOO an (excessively) easy-going naval officer ...1904 naval sl.
• JARHEAD (derogatory) a Marine ...1947 Amer. sl.
• JAUNDY the master-at-arms on board ship ...1902 Brit. navy sl.
• JAUNTY the master-at-arms on board ship ...1902 Brit. navy sl.
• JEEP a recruit or basic trainee ...1938 Amer. military sl.
• JERRY a German; a German soldier or aircraft; Germans or German soldiers collectively ...1919 sl.
• JIMMY a first lieutenant ...1916 nautical sl.
• JIMMYLEGS master at arms ...Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
• JIMMY THE ONE a first lieutenant ...1916 nautical sl.
• JOCK a Scottish or (formerly) northern English sailor; a Scottish soldier; a form of address to a Scotsman ...L18 sl.
• JOHN a greenhorn; a newcomer to the army ...Amer. World War I sl.
• JOHNNY a derogatory form of address to a man regarded as inferior, esp. a soldier of a colonized country in the army of the colonizing power ...L17 colloq.
• JOHNNY REB a soldier in the Confederate army; also, those of the South, collectively ...US Civil War usage
• JOLLY a marine ...1829 sl.
• JONTY the master-at-arms on board ship ...1902 Brit. navy sl.
• JYRENE a member of the US Marine Corps' a marine ...1894 Amer. sl., orig. Navy usage
• KING'S BAD BARGAIN an unsatisfactory soldier ...18C Eng. sl.
• KIWI a non-flying member of an air force ...1918 sl.
• KRAUT (derogatory) a German, esp. a German soldier during wartime ...1918 US sl.
• KRAUTHEAD (derogatory) a German, esp. a German soldier during wartime ...1932 US sl.
• LADIES FROM HADES a kilted Scottish Highland regiment ...1982 US Army jocular
• LADIES FROM HELL a kilted Scottish Highland regiment ...1918 US Army jocular
• LADY a recruit in basic training; used contemptuously ...1965 US sl., esp. US Marine Corps usage
• LANCE-COMICAL a lance-corporal ...c1946 Brit. army sl.
• LANCE-CORPORAL TOWROPE a driver mechanic ...c1939 Brit. army sl.
• LANCE-JACK a lance-corporal or lance-bombardier ...1912 Brit. sl.
• LEAGUER-LADY † a woman attached to a camp ...1702
• LEAGUER-LASS a woman attached to a camp ...1822 Sc.
• LEAGUER-LAUNDRESS † a woman attached to a camp ...1629
• LEAPER † an irregular soldier ...1604
• LEATHER BUMPER a cavalryman ...Amer. World War I sl.
• LEATHER-NECK 1. a sailor's name for a soldier, from the leather stock he used to wear ...1890 Brit. nautical sl.
2. a marine ...1914 Amer. navy sl.
• LEFTY a lieutenant ...1840 US military sl.
• LEG an infantry soldier ...US Vietnam War Army usage
• LEG CASE a man who ran from combat ...US Civil War usage
• LIBERTY HOG a sailor or marine who is eager to go on shore leave ...1992 Amer. sl.
• LIBERTY HOUND a sailor or marine who is eager to go on shore leave ...1939 Amer. sl.
• LIEUT a lieutenant ...1759 US
• LIEUTY a lieutenant ...1998 US
• LIFER a person, esp. a senior noncommissioned officer whose career is in military service: often used derisively ...1962 Amer. military sl.
• LIFER DOG a person, esp. a senior noncommissioned officer whose career is in military service: often used derisively ...1989 Amer. military sl.
• LIGHT BOB a soldier of a regiment of light infantry ...1778 US Army usage
• LIMEJUICER (mildly derogatory) a British sailor ...L19 jocular
• LIMEY (mildly derogatory) a British sailor ...20C colloq.
• LINE CROSSER in the Korean war: a soldier who crossed the main line of resistance to find and retrieve prisoners of war ...1967 US sl.
• LITTLE JESUS a corporal ...Amer. World War I sl.
• LOOEY a lieutenant ...1916 N. Amer. sl.
• LOOIE a lieutenant ...1916 N. Amer. sl.
• LOOT a lieutenant ...1759 US
• LOUIE a lieutenant ...1916 N. Amer. sl.
• LUFF lieutenant ...Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
• MACARONI (derogatory) an Italian soldier ...20C Brit. sl.
• MACAROON a new recruit ...1943 World War II Brit. sl.
• MACHINE GUN MURPHY a stereotypical fearless soldier ...1971 US sl.
• MAD MONKEY a staff worker at the US Military Army Command, Vietnam ...1991 US sl.
• MAGGOT someone who is very dedicated to service ...1998 US Air Force sl.
• MAGIC DOCTORS ground-staff engineers ...c1930 Royal Air Force sl.
• MAJE a major ...1847 Amer. army sl.
• MALTOOT a marine ...L18 sl.
• MALTOUT † a nickname for a marine, used by sailors and soldiers of other corps ...1785 sl.
• MAN-AT-ARMS a soldier, a warrior; a heavy-armed soldier on horseback ...1390
• MAN-OF-WAR † a fighting man; a soldier, a warrior ...1449 obs. exc. arch. or jocular
• MARINETTE a woman who enlisted in the Marines to do clerical work ...Amer. World War I sl.
• MARSHAL † a commander, a general, a leader ...a1300
• MARTIAL † a martial person, a soldier ...c1611
• MARTIALIST * a military man; one skilled in warfare; a warrior ...1576
• MARTINET a military or naval officer who is a stickler for strictness of discipline; hence, a rigid disciplinarian ...1779
• MED HEAD a member of the military police ...1998 NZ sl.
• MERC a mercenary soldier ...1967 sl.
• MIDDY a midshipman ...US Civil War usage
• MO a Medical Officer ...World War I Brit. army sl.
• MODEL T SERGEANT a soldier with a Technician 3rd Class Rating ...1944 service sl.
• MOTOR MAC a motor mechanic or machinist's mate ...1953 Amer. navy sl.
• MOUSE the soldier on point in the front of a patrol ...1991 US sl.
• MUD CRUNCHER an infantryman ...Amer. World War I sl.
• MUSICAL MARINE a bandsman ...Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
• MUSTANG an officer in the US forces who has been promoted from the ranks ...1847 sl.
• NAILS a carpenter's mate ...Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
• NARROW GAUGE in the US Marine Corps: a corporal ...1922 Amer. sl.
• NASHO a conscript ...1962 Aust. sl.
• NAV a navigator ...1956 Royal Navy and Royal Air Force usage
• NAVALS * naval men ...1836
• NAVARCH * the commander of a fleet; an admiral ...1828-32 Greek Antiq.
• NEW MEAT a newly arrived soldier ...1908 US sl.
• NO-CAN-GO-IST a non-conformist who is excused Church parade ...20C Royal Navy sl.
• NUMBER ONE the first officer ...Aust. navy sl.
• OBOF an 'Old Buffer Over Forty' ...1916 military sl.
• OFFICER MATERIAL n. an enlisted man short in mentality ...1945 US military jocular
• OIL KING a petty officer responsible for fuel levels, records, etc.; the man detailed to check oil aboard ship ...1947 Amer. nautical sl.
• OLD BILL a veteran; any old soldier, esp. if with heavy, drooping whiskers ...1915 military colloq.
• OLD BLUE LIGHTS a naval gunner ...1916 sl.
• OLD DIG a veteran soldier ...1940s Aust. & NZ sl.
• OLD FILE in the military: an old officer ...1907 Amer. military sl.
• OLD FLAG a flag officer ...1862 US Navy sl.
• OLD FOUR-BY-TWO the quartermaster ...E20 army sl.
• OLD FRITZ a German soldier ...World War I sl.
• OLD HEINE a German soldier ...World War I sl.
• OLD ISSUE an old soldier ...1909 US Army sl.
• OLD MAN, THE a commanding officer ...1830 US military sl.
• OLD SHIP an old shipmate ...1927 naval sl.
• OLD SOLDIER one who pretended to be sick or disabled so he could avoid drill and take life easy in a hospital tent ...US Civil War usage
• OLDSTER a midshipman of four years' service ...19C nautical sl.
• OLD SWEAT an old soldier; any veteran ...1919 sl., orig. military
• ONE-PIPPER a second lieutenant ...1937 Brit. services' sl.
• ONE-STRIPER 1. an ensign ...Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
2. in the army a lance-corporal (one-striper) ...1917 sl.
• ORDERLY BUFF an orderly sergeant, the sergeant acting as officer of the day ...1925 Brit. sl.
• ORDERLY DOG an orderly corporal, a corporal attending an officer to carry orders or messages ...1925 Brit. sl.
• ORDERLY PIG an orderly officer; the officer of the day ...1943 Brit. services' sl.
• PADDLEFOOT 1. an infantry soldier ...1946 US sl.
2. an air force ground-crew member ...1948 US sl.
• PAGE † a foot-soldier ...c1330
• PAPER COLLAR SOLDIER a soldier from the northeast (to westerners) ...US Civil War usage
• PARISH SOLDIER a militia man ...L18 sl.
• PAY a form of address for the paymaster ...1878 Brit. sl., orig. & chiefly naval usage
• PAYBOB the paymaster ...1916 Brit. naval sl.
• P.B.I. a Poor Bloody Infantry(man) ...1916 sl.
• PEGGY a sailor assigned to menial tasks; a mess-steward ...1902 naval sl.
• PENGUIN a non-flying member of an air force, as a member of a ground crew ...1918 Royal Air Force sl.
• PILL a doctor; a medical officer or orderly in the services ...1860 sl.
• PING an Asidic (Anti-Submarine Detection Investigation Committee) officer or rating ...1946 naval sl.
• PINGER an Asidic (Anti-Submarine Detection Investigation Committee) officer or rating ...1946 naval sl.
• PING-MAN an Asidic (Anti-Submarine Detection Investigation Committee) officer or rating ...1946 naval sl.
• PINGPONG a clerk; a yeoman ...Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
• PIPES a nickname or form of address for a boatswain ...1856 naval sl.
• PIPSQUEAK a temporary second lieutenant ...Amer. World War I sl.
• PLANK-OWNER a member of the original crew of a ship, or a long-serving marine ...1901 naval sl.
• PLEEP an enemy pilot who refuses aerial combat ...1942 military sl.
• PLONK an aircraftman second class ...1941 RAF sl.
• PLOWMAKER'S MATE an awkward recruit ...Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
• PLUMBER an armourer or engineering officer ...1941 Royal Air Force sl.
• POILU a French soldier, esp. in World War I ...1914 sl.
• POLITICIAN 1. a sailor having a soft job, such as compartment cleaner, storeroom keeper, etc. ...Amer. World War I sl.
2. a soldier with a job that excuses him from assemblies and musters ...Amer. World War I sl.
• PONGO 1. a marine ...1917 Brit. naval sl.
2. an army officer ...1943 Brit. sl.
• POWDER MONKEY one who carries shells or gunpowder from the magazine to the gun ...US Civil War usage
• PROVO a military policeman ...1943 Aust. sl.
• QUARTER-BLOKE a quartermaster(-sergeant) ...1919 services' sl.
• QUEEN'S BAD BARGAIN an unsatisfactory soldier ...18C Eng. sl.
• QUEEN'S MAN a soldier ...1900 Eng. dial.
• QUI-HAI a former colonial administrator or Indian Army soldier ...19C Anglo-Indian
• QUI-HI a former colonial administrator or Indian Army soldier ...19C Anglo-Indian
• QUI-HY a former colonial administrator or Indian Army soldier ...19C Anglo-Indian
• QUILLS a yeoman ...Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
• RACKANSACKER a hard-bitten outdoorsman fighting for the South, who would, presumably, be quick to 'wrack and sack' (ruin and pillage) in a war ...US Civil War usage
• RAFFER a person in the Royal Air Force, not usually applied to officers ...1939 colloq.
• RAGS a steward in charge of the linen ...L19 nautical sl.
• RAG-TEARER a signalman ...20C Royal Navy usage
• RAINBOW a soldier who joins a fighting unit after conflict has ceased ...1919 Aust. sl.
• RAMBO a soldier with too much of a sense of drama and too little intelligence ...1989 US sl.
• RAPPAREE an Irish pikeman or irregular soldier, of the kind prominent during the war of 1688-92; hence, an Irish bandit, robber, plunderer, or freebooter; any ruffianly vagabond ...1690
• RASCAL †* a camp-follower ...1552
• READY-FINDER a civilian who followed the Army to pick up the discarded coats, blankets, and other items shed by soldiers, esp. when the weather turned hot; term was used by Union troops ...US Civil War usage
• REB a southern soldier; an inhabitant of the Confederate States of America ...US Civil War usage
• REBEL a southern soldier; an inhabitant of the Confederate States of America ...US Civil War usage
• RED a soldier ...18C sl.
• REDCAP a military police officer ...1919 Brit. colloq.
• RED-COAT a soldier ...c1485 sl.
• RED HAT an army staff officer ...1916 Brit. sl.
• RED-HERRING a soldier ...Bk1903 sl.
• RED LEGS an artilleryman ...1900 US sl.
• REEFER a midshipman ...1834 nautical sl.
• REFORMADO a disbanded soldier; a degraded officer ...1598 sl.
• REGIMENTAL MONKEY a drum major ...Amer. World War I sl.
• REGULAR FELLER a shipmate who is a good sport ...Amer. World War I sl.
• RETREAD orig. a retired soldier recalled to service; hence, a worker undergoing retraining ...1941 sl., chiefly Aust., NZ & US
• ROCKY a member of the Royal Navy Reserve...E20 nautical sl.
• ROYAL JOLLY a royal marine ...19C sl.
• SAIGON COWBOY a rear-echelon troop or civilian who dressed the part of a combat soldier but did not experience combat ...1977 US sl.
• SAILS a sailmaker's mate ...Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
• SALAMANDER a soldier who exposes himself to fire in battle ...1705
• SALT HORSE an officer with general duties ...1914 Brit. naval sl.
• SAMMY a US soldier in WWI ...1917 Brit. sl.
• SARG a sergeant, esp. as a familiar term of address ...M19 sl.
• SARGE a sergeant ...1867 sl., orig. US
• SARJ a sergeant, esp. as a familiar term of address ...M19 sl.
• SATURDAY NIGHT SOLDIER a volunteer soldier or a Territorial ...1917 sl.
• SATURDAY SOLDIER a military volunteer ...L19 sl.
• SCARLET RUNNER a soldier ...L19 sl.
• SCRAMBLED EGGS senior officers ...World War II Amer. services' sl.
• SERG a sergeant, esp. as a familiar term of address ...M19 sl.
• SHAKE AND BAKE a non-commissioned officer fresh out of training ...1985 US sl.
• SHAVETAIL a new recruit; a newly commissioned officer; a second lieutenant ...1891 Amer. dial.
• SHIP'S SHEENY an executive officer's yeoman ...Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
• SHORT-ARSE DRIVER an artillery driver, irrespective of height ...c1910 artillerymen's sl.
• SHORT-TIMER someone nearing the end of their military service ...1906 US sl.
• SICK-BAY COMMANDO a soldier who feigns illness to avoid combat duty ...1997 US sl.
• SICK-BAY LOUNGERS fellows that go to Sick Bay to avoid Divisions or studies ...20C Dartmouth Royal Naval College usage
• SICK-BAY TIFFY a medical orderly in the sick-bay ...1914 Royal Navy usage
• SIG a signaller ...WWI army usage
• SIGNAL BASHER a signaller ...c1930 army sl.
• SINGLE SENTINEL † a private soldier ...1721 Sc.
• SKEESICKS one's tent-mate ...US Civil War usage
• SKULKER a soldier who, by feigned sickness or other pretenses, evades his duty; a sailor keeps below in time of danger ...1785
• SLUM BURNER an army cook ...1930 military sl.
• SNAKE a sergeant ...1941 Aust. military sl.
• SNAKE CHARMER a bugler ...Brit. military usage Brit
• SNAKE EATER a special forces soldier trained in survival and commando tactics, the initiates of which actually kill and eat snakes ...1970s US Army usage
• SNEAKY PETE a member of a US Army long-range reconnaissance patrol unit ...1990 US sl.
• SNIPE an engine-room hand, aircraft mechanic, or other below-decks crew member ...1920 US Navy usage
• SNODDY a soldier ...L19 sl.
• SNOTTIE a midshipman ...navy sl.
• SNOTTY a midshipman ...1903 Brit. sl.
• SNOWDROP an American military policeman; hence, any military policeman ...1944 sl.
• SPARKS a wireless operator ...Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
• SPEC an enlisted man in the army employed on specialized duties; a specialist ...1958 US sl.
• SQUADDIE a soldier, esp. a private soldier ...1933 Brit. sl.
• SQUADDY a soldier, esp. a private soldier ...1933 Brit. sl.
• SQUAREHEAD (derogatory) a foreigner of Germanic extraction; a German soldier in World War I ...1903 sl., chiefly US
• STAFF WALLAH a noncombatant army officer ...1951 Brit. sl.
• STAMPS a mail orderly ...Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
• STRAIGHT LEG a member of the ground staff in an air force, as opposed to one of the flying personnel ...1951 US sl.
• STRATOCRAT a military ruler ...L19
• STRAWFOOT a rural or backwoods soldier ...US Civil War usage
• STRIKER soldier who works for an officer ...Amer. World War I sl.
• STRIPER an officer in the Royal Navy or the US Navy of a rank designated by the stated number of stripes on the uniform, and in the army to a lance-corporal (one-striper), corporal (two-striper), or sergeant (three-striper) ...1917 sl.
• SUBSTITUTE BROKER an agent whose business was to secure men to enlist as substitutes for men called to serve ...US Civil War usage
• SUDDART † a mercenary soldier ...1542 Sc.
• SWEAT any veteran ...1910s sl., orig. military
• TAB a staff officer ...World War I army sl.
• TAIL-END CHARLIE a rear-gunner in an aircraft ...1941 Royal Air Force sl.
• TAME JOLLY a militiaman ...19C sl.
• TANKIE the navigator's assistant, or the captain of the hold ...1909 Brit. naval sl.
• TANKY the navigator's assistant, or the captain of the hold ...1909 Brit. naval sl.
• TERRIER a Territorial ...1908 Brit. army sl.
• THINKING BAYONET a soldier ...World War I Amer. sl.
• THREE-STRIPER 1. a commander ...Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
2. in the army a sergeant ...1917 sl.
• TIFFY an engine room artificer ...1899 nautical sl.
• TOJO a Japanese soldier; Japanese forces collectively ...1942 services' sl.
• TOLPATCH a foot-soldier ...1705
• TOLPATZ a foot-soldier ...1705
• TOMMY a British private soldier ...1884 sl.
• TOMMY ATKINS a typical private soldier in the British army ...1883
• TOP a top sergeant ...1898 US military sl.
• TOP BRASS applied to officers of high rank in the armed services; hence, any group of people of high rank ...1949 sl., orig. US
• TOP CUTTER a first sergeant ...1898 US military sl.
• TOP KICK a first sergeant ...1898 US military sl.
• TOP KICKER a first sergeant ...1898 US military sl.
• TOPPER a first sergeant ...1918 US military sl.
• TOP SERGEANT a first sergeant ...1898 US military sl.
• TOP SOLDIER a first sergeant ...1898 US military sl.
• TRAIN WRECK a horribly wounded soldier or casualty department patient ...1978 US sl., orig. Vietnam medical corpsmen usage
• TWO-AND-ONE-HALF STRIPER a lieutenant commander ...Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
• TWO-STRIPER 1. a senior lieutenant ...Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
2. in the army a corporal ...1917 sl.
• UNCLE SAM'S PETS soldiers ...1940s US Black college sl.
• UNIFORM a member of the armed or uniformed services ...1940s homosexual sl.
• VET an ex-serviceman ...M19
• W2 the German Kaiser Wilhelm II; reigned 1888-1918); hence, any military-looking man ...L19 usage
• WAAC a member of the Women's Auxiliary Army Corps ...1917 colloq.
• WAAF a member of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force ...1939 colloq.
• WAAF-BASHER a male fornicator ...1941 Royal Air Force sl.
• WAGER † a mercenary soldier ...1375 Sc.
• WALTZING MATILDA an Australian soldier ...World War I Amer. sl.
• WAR-BOY in Africa: a coloured fighting man or soldier ...1889
• WAR-HEADLING † a military chieftain or commander ...a1300
• WAR-HORSE a veteran soldier or politician; a person full of warlike memories ...1884
• WAR-MAN * a fighting-man, a warrior, a soldier ...1456
• WARMONGER †* a mercenary soldier ...1590
• WHITEHALL WARRIOR an officer in the armed forces employed in administration rather than on active service ...1973 Brit. sl.
• WHITE HAT an enlisted man ...1956 US naval sl.
• WINCO a wing commander ...1941 RAF sl.
• WINGCO a wing commander ...1941 RAF sl.
• WINKO a wing commander ...1941 RAF sl.
• WIZZO the weapons officer on a military aircraft ...1998 US sl.
• WOBBLER an infantryman ...World War I Amer. sl.
• WOBBLY ORANGE a warrant officer in the Royal Air Force ...2002 UK sl.
• WOODBINE an English soldier ...1919 Aust. sl.
• WORM-CRUSHER a foot-soldier ...L19 UK army sl.
• WRAC a member of the Women's Royal Army Corps, the women's corps of the British Army ...1956 sl.
• WRAF a member of the Women's Royal Air Force, the women's corps of the Royal Air Force ...1921 sl.
• WREN a member of the Women's Royal Naval Service, the women's service of the Royal Navy ...1918
• YANKEE a nickname for a native or inhabitant of New England; or, more widely, of the northern States generally; during the War of Secession applied by the Confederates to the soldiers of the Federal army ...1765 US
• YANKEY a nickname for a native or inhabitant of New England; or, more widely, of the northern States generally; during the War of Secession applied by the Confederates to the soldiers of the Federal army ...1765 US
• YANKY a nickname for a native or inhabitant of New England; or, more widely, of the northern States generally; during the War of Secession applied by the Confederates to the soldiers of the Federal army ...1765 US
• YARDBIRD a newly arrived military recruit ...1945 US sl.
• YARMOUTH CAPON a soldier, i.e. his red coat ...E19 sl.
• YELLOW LEG a cavalryman ...World War I Amer. sl.
• ZOOMER a member of an aircrew ...World War II Aust. Air Force sl.
SERVICES - nouns, person, other
• FLOATER a woman who follows the fleet ...World War II Amer. sl.
• GULL a girl or a woman who follows the naval fleet or who follows a particular sailor; this includes sailors' wives ...World War II US naval sl.
• PIGS' MEAT officers' wives or mistresses ...c1930 Royal Navy sl.
• V GIRL a woman who is attracted to men in military uniform ...1960 US sl.
SERVICES - verbs
• ACCRUE CHOCOLATE to behave towards officers in an obsequious, sycophantic manner ...1929 UK Royal Navy usage
• BAG in the military: to destroy an enemy aircraft or other target in combat; to shoot down ...1919 US military sl.
• BEAUTIFY THE POST to cut the lawn, trim the hedge, paint, or the like ...Bk1944 service sl.
• BECOME A GOLD STAR IN MOTHER’S WINDOW to be killed in action ...World War II Amer. sl.
• BE STONKERED to be put out of action ...1914 military sl.
• BUST to demote in the armed services ...1918 sl.
• CASHIER † to discharge, to disband troops ...1598 military usage
• COME IN AT THE CABIN WINDOW to be appointed a ship's officer without having had sea experience ...1794 US nautical sl.
• COME IN THROUGH THE CABIN WINDOW to obtain a commission ...World War II Amer. Navy sl.
• CRACK in the US Air Force: to open sealed orders ...1958 Amer. Air Force usage
• CRUMB UP to get a haircut, shoeshine, freshly pressed shirt. etc., in preparation for an inspection ...World War II Amer. sl.
• DAG UP to smarten oneself for guard or parade ...E20 army sl.
• DRIVE THE TRAIN to lead a number of squadrons ...c1938 Royal Air Force usage
• DUCK UNCLE to avoid the draft ...M19 US sl.
• DUDE UP to dress in one's best uniform ...World War II Amer. sl.
• E AND E to avoid combat duty ...1979 US military use in Vietnam
• FALL OUT OF THE BOAT to become unpopular in a naval mess ...20C Royal Navy
• FLAMP to sell Army property illegally ...L19 army sl.
• HIT THE BEACH to go ashore on leave ...Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
• LEAGUER † to set one's leaguer, to encamp ...1629
• LEAVE †* to raise an army ...1590
• LIVE IN ONE'S CHEST(S) of midshipmen: to sleep in a hammock in the gun-room, where one's chest is kept ...L19 Royal Navy sl.
• POLICE to clean up a camp, barracks, parade ground, etc.; to make neat and orderly ...1857 US Army usage Dict
• POLICE UP to clean up a camp, barracks, parade ground, etc.; to make neat and orderly ...1857 US Army usage
• PULL to serve time in prison or in the armed forces ...1961 US sl.
• QUARTER-DECK during US Marine Corps basic training: to administer physical discipline or incentive ...2004 US sl.
• RIF to separate someone from military service or employment (Reduction In Force) ...1983 US sl.
• SADDLE UP to pick up your gear and resume a combat patrol ...1976 US sl.
• SECTION-EIGHT to discharge from the army under section eight of the US Army Regulations ...1943 US sl.
• SHIN THE CHAINS to go off ship without leave ...Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
• SHOOT UP to dive over a person or place in order to attack ...1937 Royal Air Force sl.
• SHOULDER WALNUT † to enlist as a soldier ...1838
• TAKE WAGES † to enlist, to take service ...c1440
• VETERANIZE to get out of the Army; to enjoy veteran status outside the Army ...US Civil War usage
• WAAFISE to substitute airwomen for airmen ...1941 Royal Air Force colloq.
• WALK of a military aviator: to suit up for battle ...2001 US sl.
• WARD † to man with a garrison; to protect or shield with some work or contrivance; to fortify a castle ...1340-70
• WORK THE TICKET to obtain one's discharge from the Army by having oneself adjudged physically unfit ...L1890s sl.
• YANK of British women: to pick up American servicemen during World War II ...1940s sl.
SERVICES - phrases
• BACK IN YOUR HOLE return to your room or barracks ...World War II Amer. sl.
• DAVID, SEND IT DOWN a soldier's greeting to a shower of rain likely to postpone a parade ...1981 US military sl.
• DAVY, SEND IT DOWN a soldier's greeting to a shower of rain likely to postpone a parade ...1981 US military sl.
• EAT THE APPLE, FUCK THE CORPS used as a defiant yet proud curse of the marines by the marines ...1976 US sl.
• OHIO an exhortation to desert - "Over the Hill In October" ...1941 US military usage
• ON THE STRENGTH on the muster roll ...1889 military sl.
• RIG IN YOUR BOOMS put down your elbows; used at mess in the Navy ...Amer. World War I sl.
• SIMPLE SAILOR, A a naval officer's self-description ...20C
• THROUGH THE CABIN-WINDOW of an officer obtaining his position: entirely through influence ...L19 Royal Navy officers' usage Partridge slang 2002
• UP THE HAWSE PIPE to have worked one's way up from the enlisted ranks in the Navy ...US Civil War usage
• WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? ON YOUR DADDY'S YACHT used rhetorically as a representation of the privileges of civilian life ...1962 UK military usage