Jargon or slang relating to the military.
9
votes
4answers
559 views
Why does “klick” mean kilometer in US military slang?
Wiktionary says it is either likely a pseudo-condensed pronunciation of kilometer or onomatopoeic of the sound of a military odometer.
Though kilometers are not commonly used to measure distance ...
7
votes
2answers
288 views
OED Appeals: Origin of “bimble”
The OED has made a public appeal for help in tracing the history of some English words, including:
bimble
verb earlier than 1983
The word bimble, meaning ‘to move at a leisurely pace’, ...
3
votes
5answers
517 views
Are camp followers prostitutes?
My own understanding of the term camp followers was that it was synonymous with prostitutes who followed armies around plying their trade. However, according to Wikipedia:
Camp-follower is a term ...
2
votes
2answers
15 views
Etymology of “blackguard rating”- context- British Army during the Crimean War
From Wikipedia:
I never had such a blackguard rating in all my life – I who have had more than any woman – than from this Barry sitting on his horse, while I was crossing the Hospital Square with ...
0
votes
1answer
21 views
Capitalise 'squadron'?
Should the word 'squadron' be written with a capital? In some contexts it seems more appropriate than in others, but I'd like to do it consistently.
The 12th squadron set sail.
versus
The ...
0
votes
0answers
260 views
list of military euphemisms [closed]
I can't seem to find a consolidated list of military euphemisms, such as "incomplete victory", "friendly fire", "vertically deployed anti-personnel devices". Do you have any links?
-2
votes
1answer
71 views
What is the proper characterization of a US military officer in popular press? [closed]
What is the proper way to represent in popular press the status of a commissioned officer of the United States Marine Corps. who is not retired, has a continuing service commitment, but is no longer ...
