Definitions by Croatalin
Lit Up
US Army slang meaning attacked. Initially referring to artillery attacks at night when illuminating rounds were fired to expose the target before destroying it with HE (High Explosive), Fragmentation or WP (White Phosphorous). Eventually the phrase was used to describe any intense attack on enemy positions or personnel whether it was with artillery, air strike or small arms.
Humpin'
US Army slang from the Vietnam War, to carry something, particularly a heavy load in adverse or difficult circumstances.
Pogue
US Army slang, a derogatory name for a non-combat soldier. The term carries with it an implication of unmanliness, homosexuality, even paedophilia, since Hershey bars and other types of candy are known as ‘pogue bait’, illustrating the contempt of the combat soldier for any kind of REMF.
Derived from the Gaelic 'Póg' meaning arse it possibly came to be used originally by American troops of Irish descent but quickly became widespread. In Gaelic one use of the word would be in the phrase ‘Póg mo thóin’ (pronounced pogue mahone) meaning 'kiss my arse'.
Derived from the Gaelic 'Póg' meaning arse it possibly came to be used originally by American troops of Irish descent but quickly became widespread. In Gaelic one use of the word would be in the phrase ‘Póg mo thóin’ (pronounced pogue mahone) meaning 'kiss my arse'.
Snotrag
A handkerchief or tissue. Implicit in the word is that the handkerchief or tissue has been used and that the product within it is particularly vile, greasy, and slimy; the result of diseased sinuses or a severe nasal infection. By extension the word can be used to describe a person having the same qualities, an obnoxious, slimeball whose very presence makes people nauseous.
Greased
To be greased means to be killed. Originally it meant to be killed by multiple bullet wounds from a weapon fired on full automatic but gradually its use extended, particularly during the Vietnam War, until it was used to describe any death caused by enemy action.
The expression originated from American troops of the Second World War who were armed with the M3 submachine gun. Since the M3's nickname was 'grease gun', supposedly from its resemblance to the mechanics tool, enemy troops killed by the M3 were soon referred to as having been greased.
The expression originated from American troops of the Second World War who were armed with the M3 submachine gun. Since the M3's nickname was 'grease gun', supposedly from its resemblance to the mechanics tool, enemy troops killed by the M3 were soon referred to as having been greased.
TABU
TABU is an British Army acronym and stands for Typical Army Balls Up and is used to describe the things that shouldn't go wrong but do. Is used in a similar context to the US Army SNAFU.
During the Korean War, American REMFs in charge of logistics and supply were told to supply American troops before their allies. What was meant of course was to ensure that American troops had ammunition and essentials before supplying these to their allies. This was misunderstood and as a result, American troops were being supplied with Coca Cola before British troops were getting ammunition.
When informed of the situation the Colonel of one British regiment supposedly grimaced and muttered TABU before ensuring that the situation was corrected. Though whether by TABU he meant the error in the supply priorities or the Americans being in charge of supply is open to conjecture.
When informed of the situation the Colonel of one British regiment supposedly grimaced and muttered TABU before ensuring that the situation was corrected. Though whether by TABU he meant the error in the supply priorities or the Americans being in charge of supply is open to conjecture.