defac n.— Note: “Defac” is far less often spelled “difac,” despite being a blend of “dining facility.” «Camp Phoenix in particular, was an example of where the disease began with food preparation and...
lob bomb n.— «The military refers to it as an IRAM. I think it’s “improvised rocket-assisted mortar” or something—some ridiculous term like that. But we refer to it as a “lob bomb,” because they use a truck and a ramp-type device to just...
high speed adj.— «“Roger that,” said Young, clutching his soggy worksheet. “You guys are high speed.” High speed is a military term of endearment. Low speed, conversely, denotes anything uncool, such as Gussman’s older...
sandbox sailor n.— «The official term for Navy people in Army jobs is “individual augmentees” but they call themselves “sandbox sailors.”» —“A Long Way From The Sea” by Jennifer Grogan in Camp Bucca, Iraq TheDay...
Noah’s ark clause n.— «She was just in time for the rules to be changed, and women to be allowed to serve on Navy ships. Gilbride was one of two women serving alongside 1,200 men aboard the USS Frank Cable, a submarine fleet support...
Martha and Grant discuss advertising slogans and product names supposedly botched in translation. They also recommend an eclectic mix of books for the word-lover on your holiday list, from military slang to Yiddish. Plus a slang quiz on the words...
