Special Sub-Topic: US Army Jargon (WWII) Click Here To Play: US Army Jargon (WWII)

During WWII, what did US soldiers call a shirker or a malingerer?

a goldbrick. During WWII anyone who was a shirker or a malingerer was called a goldbrick. There was always at least one in every platoon.

During WWII what did US soldiers call a sewing kit?

a housewife. During WWII US soldiers called their sewing kit a housewife. The term has a long history in this sense in the English-speaking countries.

During WWII where were US soldiers sent when they were incarcerated?

the stockade. During WWII soldiers who were in need of correction were sent to the stockade. This was for minor and major offences.

During WWII what was a latrine?

a toilet. Simply put, a latrine is a toilet or bathroom. If you were not squared away, you could find yourself cleaning one.

During WWII what did the US soldiers call medical personnel?

medics. During WWII medical personnel in the field who served with the infantry were known as medics. The highest compliment the GI could call him was 'doc'.

During WWII what two items were in all three K Ration meals?

cigarettes and chewing gum. The breakfast, dinner, and super meals of the K Ration all contained cigarettes and chewing gum.

During WWII what did US soldiers usually call coffee?

Joe. During WWII US soldiers called the instant coffee Joe or Java. It is unclear how the name came about.

What was an officer who had been promoted thru the ranks called?

a mustang. An enlisted man or NCO who had been promoted through the ranks was known as a mustang. This denoted speed of promotion.

During WWII what did US soldiers call desertion?

going over the hill. During WWII desertion was known as going over the hill. This term was pretty standard in all the branches of the military.

During WWII, what was a 'ruptured duck'?

an honorable service badge. During WWII a ruptured duck was an honorable service badge worn on the uniform which denoted the servicemen had been discharged. It also alerted the authorities that the serviceman was not AWOL.