Going commando
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- See also not wearing undergarments.
Scope and synonyms
In American slang, this phenomenon is also referred to as Freeballing (in the case of males not wearing underwear) and Freebuffing (in the case of females). Going bareback, however, is also used in the USA in this sense.A 2004 study of 7,000 people by the New York-based clothier [Freshpair] revealed that 9% of men and 7% of women go commando day-to-day. Those who do so semiregularly are much more numerous, possibly around 25-30%, and most people have tried it at some point.
In British English, the use of "commando" as a verb is a relatively recent phenomenon but increasingly common. The phrase and phenomenon is often used in a declaratory way ("I'm goin' commando!"), particularly by young women to covertly create a frisson of sexual excitement or amusement amongst friends, sexual partners, etc. Modern British social mores generally recognise "going commando" as a "playful" behaviour (akin to a mild form of exhibitionism), and one that does not necessarily demonstrate an overtly sexual intent. Indeed, many people go commando strictly for comfort, feeling that underwear is unnecessarily restrictive and tight, or just preferring greater mobility for the genitalia. However, in many cases there is a recognisable sexual element to the behaviour.
Earliest uses
Slate's Daniel Engber dates the modern usage to 1974 college campuses, where it was perhaps an outgrowth of the Vietnam War [link]. The origins of the phrase are uncertain, with some speculating that it may refer to being out in the open or ready for action. According to Engber many soldiers do go without underwear to increase ventilation and reduce moisture. The earliest known use of the term in print is January 22, 1985 with Jim Spencer writing in the Chicago Tribune: Furthermore, colored briefs are 'sleazy' and going without underwear ('going commando', as they say on campus) is simply gross.Military significance
The term can also refer to being completely naked (i.e, "going commando in a sleeping bag"). On completion of their "commando" course, British Royal Marines are known to drink together whilst wearing no clothing at all. Soldiers do, on longer operations in the field, "go commando" as it increases airflow to the genitals, whilst reducing the amount of administration required to carry and change underwear daily. The term is analogous to the Scottish military term "regimental" referring to wearing no underwear under the kilt.In the United States Navy, persons completing BUD/S typically burn all underwear (usually in the form of silk undergarments) since, as the saying goes "frogmen don't wear skivvies."
References in popular culture
- In a 1994 Seinfeld episode, Kramer decides not to wear underwear for medical reasons, but the line, I'm out there, Jerry, and I'm lovin' every minute of it! only hints at the true meaning and the term is not uttered. [link]
- In a 1996 episode of the television show Friends, Joey and Rachel use the term "going commando" [link]. In the producers' commentary of the episode, they mention the fact that the phrase "going commando" entered the Oxford English Dictionary because of that particular episode.
- Going Commando is the subtitle of the in the Ratchet & Clank series. However, in the British version, the name was changed to "Locked and Loaded," since localization believed the term "going commando" would be offensive as a double entendre.
- Going Commando is a punk band from Frankfurt, Germany.
- The Doonesbury character Duke, in a Flash animation on the [Doonesbury web site] (as of September 30th, 2005) claims to have gone commando, although not in those words: It's odd, but ever since I stopped wearing underwear, I haven't had so much as a head cold.
- The User Friendly character Pitr Dubovich (who affects a Russian accent, despite having grown up in California) once tried to pick a woman in a bar by declaring that he was 'going Spetsnaz'[link].
- In an episode of That '70s Show, Eric reveals to Donna that he is not wearing any underwear and that she should be "turned on." Donna then reveals that it is only sexy when she doesn't wear underwear, implying it is OK for girls and not for guys.
- In the season two finale of Veronica Mars, Dick Casablancas asks, "Guess who's going commando?"
Celebrities
- Seann William Scott admitted in the December 2003 issue of People that he does not wear underwear. [link]
- Eric Balfour stated on Late Night with Conan O'Brien on March 16, 2006 that he has never owned a pair of underwear.
- Tori Spelling (self-admittedly) often goes without underwear, even when wearing skirts/dresses. The first time she appeared on Jay Leno she didn't wear underwear underneath her short dress, and at the end of the show Leno picked her up, inadvertently fully exposing her to the audience. The only thing that bothered her about the incident was that she "had not shaved down there" beforehand.
- Former Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura, in his book I Ain't Got Time to Bleed, admitted that he did not wear underwear as a Navy Seal in Vietnam.
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