Gyreneisms's definitions

Not a hill I want to die on

A military expression referring to an issue that the speaker wants to address, but recognizes would be too much hassle to deal with. It's a metaphor for realizing that, although you want to defend your "hill" from attack, to do so would be suicidal given the much stronger enemy, and this particular hill isn't so vital that you should give up your life for it, so it's best to just retreat.

- "The Colonel wants to kick off the exercise on Monday, but we're really not going to be ready until at least Tuesday. But that's not a hill I want to die on, so I'm just going to go along with what he wants."

- "Look, I understand you're upset about them demoting Corporal Thompson, and I know you want to go argue his case with the Sergeant Major, but is that really a hill you want to die on?"

by Gyreneisms September 1, 2013

You want me to smoke it for you too?

A response, which can be either friendly jibing or hostile, when someone asks you for a cigarette and then immediately asks you for a light. The implication, joking or annoyed, is that person is going to keep asking you for things.

A) Hey chief, can I bum a smoke off you?

B) Sure man, here you go.

A) Oh, and can I get a light too?

B) Damn, dude. You want me to smoke it for you too?

by Gyreneisms May 20, 2011

Lance Coolie

"Lance Coolie" is used by US Marines to refer to the Lance Corporal (E-3) rank. The term implies that Lance Corporals are used for menial labor; a play on the term "coolie" applied to Chinese workers.

Damn, I'm stuck stacking ammo cans again? I thought I'd be past this shit when I got promoted, but I guess I'm just a Lance Coolie...

by Gyreneisms July 3, 2011

Break it down shotgun-style

A military term used both literally and metaphorically:

1) To remove the rear pin on an M16 rifle, allowing the rifle to fold open to reveal the internal parts. This is similar to how a double-barrel shotgun folds open for loading.

2) To explain something in a very simple and clear fashion.

3) To bend a standing woman forward for sex.

1) "Take your weapon and break it down shotgun-style for inspection by the armorer."

2) "Look, let me break it down shotgun-style: the colonel thinks your scenario is shit."

3) "As soon as we finish up this op, you can all go home, grab the little lady and break her down shotgun-style."

by Gyreneisms November 1, 2009

Lance Coconut

"Lance coconut" is a term used by US Marines to denote a Lance Corporal (E-3 rank). The term comes from the rank insignia worn by the Lance Corporal, which is one chevron (peaked line) with two crossed rifles below it. When seen from a distance, the emblem resembles a peak with two balls below it, vagely resembling coconuts hanging from a palm.

A: Hey, did PFC Thompson actually get promoted this month?

B: Guess so, check out the dude's collar: he's a Lance Coconut now.

by Gyreneisms July 3, 2011

railroad tracks

A slang term for the Captain (O-3) rank in the Army and Marines. The term comes from the Captain rank insignia, which is two wide bars connected by two thin cross-bars, resembling railroad tracks crossed by two railroad ties.

Damn, Lieutenant Carter used to be really cool, but ever since he pinned on his railroad tracks, he's just pulling rank and treating all his old buddies like shit.

by Gyreneisms December 18, 2011

one lies and the other swears to it

This phrase is used to respond when one person says something you disbelieve, and then another person comes in to support them. The point is that a lie doesn't become more true simply because another person (of similar sketchiness) tries to back it up.

A: No way man, I wasn't even there that day, you can even ask Jimmy, he'll tell you I wasn't there.
B: Jimmy? Oh, awesome, now Jimmy's backing up your story. Well, just goes to show, "one lies and the other swears to it."

by Gyreneisms August 13, 2011