After spending years in the Army, it’s very difficult to not use military slang and jargon when speaking with civilian co-workers. A few folks may figure out what you’re actually saying, but the vast majority does not understand. But who cares? That sounds awesome!
Hence we bring you the phrases to help out fellow civilians decode the military stances:
- Distance & Direction – To give general instructions, to get someone started on the right path.
- A good piece of gear – Only in the service is it acceptable to refer to one of your co-workers or (more frequently) a person working for you as “a good piece of gear.”
- Gear adrift, is a gift – It’s your own fault if you left something unattended and it went missing.
- Check six – This means “watch out behind you” based on looking for enemy.
- Zero Dark Thirty – This implies a generally unpleasant hour of the morning, generally 12:30 a.m.
- Esprit de Corps – Developing enthusiasm amongst and for a group of people, forming a “brotherhood,” believing in each other, achieving unity
- Roger/Roger that – To understand.
- Civvies – Any off-duty military clothes a normal civilian would wear on the street.
- FUBAR – “F*cked up beyond all recognition” is a military favourite, though least used in India.
- Latrine – The bathroom
- Good initiative, bad judgement – This phrase applies when somebody steps up to solve a problem but doesn’t use the best solution.
- High and tight – Getting things done perfectly.
- Got Your 6 – In combat operations, you literally need to have your back covered. And if your body were a clock, 6 o’clock would be your back.
- PT – Physical Training, exercise
- Bravo Zulu or “BZ” – Meaning “well done?”
- Nut to Butt – Very literally, put your nuts on the butt in front of you – said specifically when space is tight or when a situation dictates close proximity of many bodies.
If you know any write it in the comment box below and we will add them here.
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