U.S. Navy slang

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This is an [Incomplete listsincomplete list], which may never be able to satisfy certain standards for completeness. Revisions and additions are welcome.

The following are some examples of slang of the United States Navy, sometimes also referred to as "NAVSpeak":

0-9 - A - B - C - D - E - F - G - H - I - J - K - L - M - N - O - P - Q - R - S - T - U - V - W - X - Y - Z - See also - External links

0-9

0'dark hundred: Pronounced "oh dark". Referring to some point really early in the morning, like 0200 (which would be pronounced oh-two-hundred)
0'dark thirty: one half hour after 0'dark hundred.
1st Lieutenant: Division found in most aviation and afloat commands that is responsible for the material condition and cleanliness of the ship or the spaces occupied by the Airedales. This usually means cleaning toilets (see "Shitter" below), swabbing decks, and running the geedunk. 1st LT DIV-O is usually dropped on the most junior officer in the command when he checks in. On surface ships, the 1st Lieutenant commands the deck division, made up of the boatswain's mates, and is responsible for the boats and docking.
1MC: One of many communication circuits aboard a ship, this is probably the most widely recognized. When used, it is heard on every external speaker by everyone aboard the ship.
2JV: Engineering sound-powered circuit.
2MC: Engineering loudspeaker circuit.
3/4 Mile Island: USS Enterprise
4MC: Emergency circuit, goes straight to the control room of a submarine, or bridge of a ship.
5MC: Similar to the 1MC, except that it is only heard on the flight deck of an air-capable ship.
50/50/90: Used to describe the phenomenon whereby a question that statistically has a 50/50 chance of being answered correctly is actually answered incorrectly 90% of the time.
688 (pron. six eighty-eight): Often used when referring to Los Angeles class fast-attack nuclear submarines, 688 is the hull number (SSN-688) for the lead ship in the class, USS Los Angeles (SSN-688).
99: When "99" is heard on the radio following a unit's call sign, it means that the transmission is for all of the aircraft in that unit.

A

Above or Abovedecks: A direction: Navy for "up." If you ascend to a higher deck on a Navy ship (using a ladder), you go "above." If you go all the way up to the weather decks, you go "topside" (see below).
Abu Dhabi (adj.): Refers to any product labelled in Arabic aboard a ship, particularly soda cans. "We've been home from cruise for 8 months and we still have Abu Dhabi Cokes in the vending machines!" Also referred to as "Haji Pop"
Admin: Prearranged meeting point in-port for carrier pilots.
Admin Warfare Specialist: Joking, sometimes derisive term for Yeomen, Personnelmen or other Navy administrative ratings. Used especially in cases when said sailor does not have a warfare pin.
ADSEP: ADministrative SEParation - basically getting fired from the navy for misconduct.
A-Farts: slang for Armed Forces Radio & Television Service. A-Farts is received via satellite all over the world and offers a variety of shows. Some of the most entertaining offerings are the propaganda commercials it frequently airs since regular advertising is not permitted.
Aft: Towards the stern of the ship. Aft is always a direction, never a place.
A-Gang: The Auxiliaries Division of the Engineering Department. Members known as "A-Gangers."
Air Boss: Air Officer. His assistant is the "Mini Boss".
Airedale: A sailor who works on or around aircraft.
Air Force Common: Sarcastic term for the Guard frequencies (see "Guard" below). These are supposed to be used only in the case of an emergency, however it seems that out Air Force brethren use the frequencies far too often for routine communications.
Airstart: Any attempt to restart an aircraft's engine(s) after in-flight failure. Also a "blowjob."
Airwing: All of the squadrons aboard an aircraft carrier make up the airwing.
A.J. Squared Away: a term used to describe a sailor who is always "squared away," meaning always having a perfect shave, perfectly ironed uniform, spit-shined shoes, haircut with less than 1mm of hair, spotless uniform, etc. Anyone who has been designated with this nickname is most likely a lifer who has no life outside the navy. Compare to dirtbag below.
Anchors and Spurs: Famous dance club at NAVSTA San Diego where many-a lonely Navy wife has broken the seventh commandment. Many sailors find this amusing until it happens to them.
Angles and Dangles (Submarine Service): Placing the boat in crazy angles and positions soon after leaving port, to see whether anything breaks loose. Similar consequence noises while on patrol are not desired.
Aluminum Cloud: slang for the F-14 Tomcat.
"Another Fine Navy Day!": an expression voiced (in a very cheery manner) on occasions when, in fact, it's not that much of a Fine Navy Day at all.
Anti-smack or Anti-smash: Anti-collision strobe light on an aircraft. Also called simply "Smacks."
Anymouse: Slang for anonymous. Safety system where sailors can drop an anonymous recommendation into a locked box.
AOL: Absent Over Leave; Navyspeak for AWOL. See UA, the sailors' preferred usage.
AOM: All Officers Meeting, held for a variety of reasons like training, port calls, mess issues, etc.
Ape: Slang for an Auxiliary Power Unit, or APU. This is basically a small turbine engine on an aircraft that is started with battery power. It then supplies electrical power and air for starting the main engine(s).
Apple Jack: Slang for 21 day wine made out of bug juice, sugar and yeast. Don't forget the boxed raisins (for texture). Tastes like crap but packs a powerful wallop.
*Applejack (also Applejacked): Extremely intoxicated. Refers to a sailor who is so piss-drunk on liberty that his shipmates actually notice it.
"Armpit of the Navy": Slang for San Diego, so named because the locals are above associating with Naval personnel, especially those of lower rank.
"Assholes and elbows": A deck hand on his hands and knees holystoning a wooden deck. As in "All I want to see is assholes and elbows." as spoken by a boatswains mate.
"Asshole of the Navy": Slang for Norfolk, Virginia, home of the fabled "DOGS AND SAILORS KEEP OFF THE GRASS!" sign. The Urban Legends Reference Pages says that the sign is an urban legend [link], but cold shoulders from civilians persist in Navy towns. See also "NoFuck, Vagina", below.
Asshole of the World: Tijuana, Mexico. It is thus labeled because it is dirty, smells like shit, has high crime and drugs, corrupt police officials, and has few redeeming qualities. However, due to its close proximity to San Diego, one can often find sailors enjoying the lower drinking age, cheap booze, and loose women.
Athwartships: A direction perpendicular to the bow-stern axis of the ship. That is, moving port-to-starboard or starboard-to-port. A passageway that goes in this direction is called an "athwartship passageway."
Auto: Short for auto-rotation, which is a maneuver performed by a helo pilot in the event of complete power loss. Sarcastically described as the last few seconds of a helo flight during which the crew has just enough time to kiss their ass goodbye.
Auto Dog: Self-serve ice cream dispensed from a machine in wardrooms and mess decks throughout the navy. Resembles a pile of dog poop. See "dog" below.
Aye: Yes (I understand).
Aye, aye: Yes (I heard the order, I understand the order, and I intend to obey the order).

B

Baby Birdfarm: An Iwo Jima-Class helicopter carrier.
Baboon Ass: Nickname for corned beef, based on color and flavor.
Back Alley: Card game of trump played by 2 to 4 players (mostly "snipes"). Players are first dealt 1 card each then 2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12-13, 13-12-11-10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1. Players bid on the number of tricks to be taken, trump is determined by draw. Score is kept by awarding 3 points for bids made and taken and 1 point for each additional trick. A player unable to make their bid goes set 3 X the bid. Game can be played by partners.
Bag: Flight suit.
Bag: To issue demerits at the Naval Academy.
Bag: Full complement of fuel in an aircraft.
Bag: To accumulate, gather, or obtain something. (Ex. I'm going to bag some traps.)
Bag It Out: Fill an aircraft with its max fuel load.
Bag Nasty: A pre-packaged bag lunch usually consisting of a cold cut sandwich, piece of fruit, and juice box or can of soda. Served at galleys in lieu of regular chow for sailors on the go.
Balls Thirty: A term used to indicate the time of the 0030 security sweep on some bases.
Balls to Two: A short watch stood from 0000-0200. Not generally seen outside of training commands.
Balls to Four: A four hour watch technically spanning from 0000-0400 though in practice begins at 2345 and ends at 0345. Most commonly seen on a "Dogged Watch" schedule.
Balls To The Wall (Submarine Service): Main propulsion plant dialed up to 11 for maximum speed.
Bandit: Aircraft positively identified as hostile.
Barney Clark: Slider topped with a fried egg. Also called a "One-Eyed Jack." Named after the first man to receive an artificial heart.
Barricade: Also called the barrier, this is a huge nylon net strung across the landing area of a carrier to arrest the landing of an aircraft with damaged gear or a damaged tailhook.
Bastard Chief: Slang for Master Chief.
Battle Group (BG): A group of warships and supply ships centered around a large deck aircraft carrier and its airwing. Usually consists of one cruiser, one supply ship, and one or two destroyers, frigates, and submarines. Has been sanitized and emasculated lately and is now referred to as the Carrier Strike Group (CSG).
Battle Racks: When mission-exhausted aviators are allowed to sleep through General Quarters.
BCG's: Birth Control Glasses. Standard Navy-issue corrective eyewear. So named because they are so thick and hideous that you are guaranteed never to have sex while you are wearing them. The only option for vision correction during boot camp, because contacts are not allowed and other frame choices are not offered. Nearly impossible to break, although many recruits dedicate much time and effort towards that end.
The Beach: "Terra firma." Any place that is not covered by water.
Beach Pounder: A Marine (cf. Ground Pounder = soldier). Coast Guard: Shoreline foot patrol (archaic/WWII); lived on in expression: "Pound sand!" for "Get lost."
Beer Day: On many Navy ships, even in the present day, all hands are given 2 beers if they are underway without a port call for a given period of time - generally 45 days. Both beers are opened when they are given to the crewmember to prevent them from being hoarded. Considering what you have to go through to "earn" a beer day, they are definitely not a good thing.
Bells: Naval way of announcing the time of day aboard ship, usually over the 1MC. One bell corresponds to 30 minutes past the hour. Bells will only be rung as a single strike, or a closely spaced double strike, with a maximum of eight bells (4 sets of 2). Bells repeat themselves every 4 hours. For example 2 sets of 2 bells, followed by a single bell could be 0230, 0630, 1030, 1430, 1830, or 2230.
Below: Navy for "down." If you descend to a lower deck on a Navy ship (using a ladder), you go "below."
Benny: A treat or reward, derived from "Benefit".
*Benny Suggs: The Navy's Beneficial Suggestions program, a method where DON employees, and Navy and Marine personnel can make suggestions to improve various programs and operations.
Bent Shitcan: Someone below Naval standards.
Big Chicken Dinner: Slang for a Bad Conduct Discharge, which is usually handed out along with an administrative separation (ADSEP) after a sailor pops positive on a "Whiz Quiz."
Bilge Rat: Someone who works in the engineering spaces.
Bilge Turd: Derogatory term for "Boiler Technician," typically from Machinist Mates who attend the identical A school
BINGO: Minimum fuel needed to return to base (RTB).
Binnacle List: The daily list of ship's crew who are sick in quarters (see below). So called because in the old days of sailing, this list was posted on the binnacle, the casing that housed the ship's compass.
Bird: Aircraft.
Birdfarm: Aircraft carrier.
Bitchbox: Intercom or amplified circuit used to communicate between spaces of a ship.
Bitching Betty: The computer generated female voice heard in an aviator's earpiece when something is not as it should be. Usually caused by unsafe flight conditions or an enemy threat.
Black Hole, The: Reference to the Navy's main base at Norfolk, Virginia, so called because "it's where sailor's careers go to die."
Black Hole: An extremely dangerous situation encountered by naval aviators when landing aboard a ship on a very dark night. Limited visual cues and vestibular errors from the inner ear give the impression of forward motion when in fact forward motion has slowed considerably or stopped altogether. The pilot continues his descent, however, under the impression that he is still on a normal glideslope. Many rampstrikes and water impacts have resulted from this phenomenon.
Black Shoe: Any "Surface Navy" officer or CPO, from the black shoes worn with khaki uniforms. "Black shoe" is a derogatory term used by aviators in reference to ship drivers, much like carrier aviators refer to the carrier as "the boat" just to piss off the black shoes. See also "Brown Shoe."
Blowing a Shitter (Submarine Service): Accidentally flushing a toilet while San Tanks are being vented overboard, despite the posted warning signs. Also refers to losing one's composure, adapted from first definition.
Blue and Gold: Alternating crews for the same ship - usually applied to submarines, but recently applied to forward deployed "small boys" in the "Sea Swap" program.
Bluejacket: An enlisted sailor below the rank of E-7 (Chief Petty Officer).
*Bluejacket's Manual: The handbook of seamanship issued to recruits.
**Page 92: Upon doing something stupid, recruits will often be required to read the paragraph entitled "Discipline" multiple times while holding the Bluejacket's Manual at arms length. This is usually done when the redropes have exhausted the recruits to the point where more ITE would possibly get them into trouble.
Bluenose: An individual who has crossed the Arctic Circle.
Blue on Blue: Fratricide or friendly fire. Named for the color associated with friendly forces during "workups" and exercises. The fictional enemy country is usually Orange or Red. In port the definition of "blue on blue" is much more enjoyable, as it refers to girl-on-girl stripper acts, porn scenes, etc.
Blue Tile: An area of the carrier on the starboard main passageway, O-3 level, where the Battle Group (now called Carrier Strike Group) admiral and his staff live and work. As the name implies, the deck is indeed blue there. Passing through, especially by junior enlisted sailors, is highly discouraged. During wartime, armed guards may be posted on both sides of the blue tile. Pictures of bare-assed drunken aviators standing on the blue tile during port calls are highly prized keepsakes.
Blue Water: Deep water far from land. Only larger, self-sufficient ships can operate on these waters. Also called the "high seas." See Brown Water.
Board: To land a fixed-wing aircraft successfully aboard an aircraft carrier via the tailhook and arresting wires.
*Boarding Rate: Percentage of the time that an aviator successfully boards on the first attempt
Boat: Water craft small enough to be carried on a ship, unless a submarine, which is always called "a boat" or "the boat" when referring to the actual vessel (as opposed to the "ship's company" when referring to a sub's command or crew)
*A ship may be called a boat but ONLY by members of its crew, and only those who have actually completed a deployment.
*The Boat: (1) The Submarine; (2) Airdale term for the ship their airwing is attached to. "We're going to The Boat for a few weeks."
Boat Cute: Applied to female sailors who would not be attractive on the beach, but who become extremely attractive after being underway for a prolonged period of time.
Boats: A sailor in the Boatswain's Mate rating.
B.O.C.O.D: "Beat-Off Cut-Off Date" The date before returning home from a deployment to stop masturbating in order to save it up for your wife or girlfriend.
Bogey: Unknown aircraft which could be friendly, hostile, or neutral.
B.O.H.I.C.A.: "Bend Over, Here It Comes Again."
Bolter: Failed attempt at an arrested landing on a carrier by a fixed-wing aircraft. Usually caused by a poor approach or a hook bounce on the deck, this embarrassing event leads to a go-around and another attempt to "board."
Boomer: Missile Submarine.
Boondoggle: Any unorganized, inefficient evolution, usually grand in scale and involving many confused participants. Similar to a "goatrope."
Bootcamp: A term used, usually derisively, when referring to any sailor who has very little time in or a lot less time than the speaker.
Booter: A Sailor that has just reported to his first duty assignment after completing Recruit Training.
Bosun's Punch: New sailors on ship are sometimes assigned to find this mythical tool in the office of one of the ship's Bosuns (Boatswains). The sailor is then typically punched very hard in the shoulder by the Bosun in question.
Bounce Pattern: When several aircraft are practicing touch and go landings at the same airfield or ship.
Brain Fart: a condition when, under stress, one cannot recall or perform something that would normally be easy or second nature.
Branch: Lowest organizational level in most naval commands. Below department and division.
Bravo Zulu: Originally "BZ" was a signal meaning "Well Done." It is sometimes co-opted by seniors praising subordinates in one form or another.
Bremerloes: Female enlisted person of husky build. Term originated at Bremerton, Washington base.
Brig: Jail.
*Brigchaser: A sailor escorting a prisoner to the brig.
Broke-dick: Technical term describing malfunctioning or inoperable equipment. Example: "The fuckin' aux drain pump is fuckin' broke-dick."
Brown bagger: Married sailor who brings his lunch from home in a paper bag.
Brown Nose: Sailor trying a "little too hard" to make rate by sucking up to superiors. Can also refer to those who wear khakis (Chiefs, Officers) since it is assumed that most have "brown-nosed" to obtain their present position. Mythical rate "Chief Brownnose" or "Brownose First Class"
Brown Shoe: An officer or CPO in the Naval Aviation community. Originates from the brown shoes worn in khaki uniforms that were exclusive to aviators from 1972 to 1999. Although all CPO's and officers may now wear either brown or black shoes, wearing brown shoes is uncommon in the rest of the Navy and doing so is likely to get you labeled a dirtbag. Among aviators, being called a brown shoe is considered a term of endearment. See also "Black Shoe."
Brown Water: Shallow water close to land. Also called the littorals. Smaller ships can operate in these waters.
BT Punch: Same as a Bosun's Punch, but delivered by a Boiler Tender.
Bubba: Affectionate term for someone who does what you do. In aviation, someone who flies the same type of aircraft as you (Ex. He's an H-53 bubba).
The Bubble: When someone is on the very edge of passing or failing at something, or when they are undecided, they are said to be on the bubble. Similar to riding the fence. Also refers to the ICCS, or Integrated Catapult Control System, which is the enclosed control room sticking out of an aircraft carrier's flight deck from which the catapult is operated.
Bubblehead: A sailor in the Submarine Service.
Bug Juice: Kool-Aid-like beverage in dispensers on the messdeck. Side-by-side - Orange or Red. Before the turn of the century bug juice was also used as a replacement for cleaning agents to clean decks with.
Bug Juice Sunrise: Orange with a splash of Red.
Building 39: 1990s-era Naval Station Norfolk slang for the USS Emory S. Land (AS-39), which during that time period, rarely left port.
Bulkhead: Wall.
*Bulkhead remover: an in-joke shared by veteran sailors and often delegated as a task to new sailors, as in, "Go get me a can of bulkhead remover."
Bull, aka "Bull Ensign": the senior-most Ensign onboard a surface ship. In charge of various wardroom duties, often including mentoring the junior-most Ensign (see "George") and setting up the wardroom's movie night. Originated during World War II from Admiral "Bull" Halsey's need to designate one officer to oversee wardroom functions.
Bullet Sponge: U.S. Marine.
BUNO: short for Bureau Number - this is a 6-digit serial number assigned to every naval aircraft when it is accepted into service. In no way related to an aircraft's 3-digit "side number."
Burn a copy: Make a Xerox copy of a document or sheet of paper.
Burn Bag: Trash bag for outdated or no longer needed classified materials. They are usually paper grocery bags with red and white stripes on them. The contents are actually no longer burned, though the name persists. They are almost always shredded.
Bus Driver Uniform: The unpopular uniform, based on an officer's dress blues, which was briefly issued to recruits in the 1970s.
Buster: Proceed at max possible speed.
"Bust Me on The Surface" (Submarine Service): An expression voiced when a subordinate strongly disagrees with a superior's order (who may be under heavy situational pressure), and the subordinate takes actions he knows to be the correct procedure, counter to the order. "Bust Me On The Surface" refers to disciplinary action that could result, which would take place in the fresh air of safety that would not be reached if the original order was carried out. Rarely invoked, and the subordinate better be goddamned right. More often used as slang in less life-threatening situations.
Butt Kit: Ash tray. Aboard ship it is a can with a hole in the lid, usually hung from the bulkhead near watch stations.

C

CASREPT: Inoperative, casualty reported; casually, OOC (out of commission). Often jocularly applied to broken minor items not requiring any report, or to personnel on the binnacle list.
CAVU: Ceiling and Visibility Unlimited - perfect flying weather.
CF: (pronounced Charlie Foxtrot) Cluster fuck, meaning completely screwed up.
C-GU11: Seagull. Pronounced "See-Gee-Yuu-Eleven." Similar to "bulkhead remover," an inexpensive way to derive enjoyment from inexperienced personnel on watch. "Forward lookout, keep an eye out for signs of C-GU11s in the area, over." Also sometimes spelled C-6U11, Z-6UL1 or various L33T-like combinations.
CAG: Title used when addressing the airwing commander. It is a holdover from the days when airwings were called air groups, and stands for Commander Air Group. Can also refer to the airwing itself, as in CAG-14. See "airwing."
Canoe Club: The United States Navy
Canoe U: United States Naval Academy
Captain's Mast: Navy term for Nonjudicial punishment under Article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Depending on the rank or position involved, the name of the procedure may change, i.e. Admiral's Mast, OIC's Mast.
Cann: short for cannibalize, which is the practice of using one or more of a unit's aircraft strictly for parts to keep the rest of the aircraft flying. Often the cannibalized aircraft is a "hangar queen." See "Rob"
Cannon balls: Baked, candied apples served to midshipmen at the Naval Academy on special occasions. Twelve are served per table. If one person at the table is willing to eat all 12 apples and succeeds, then he is given the honor of "carry on" (lack of harassment by upper classmen) for the remainder of the semester.
Carrier Strike Group (CSG): See "Battle Group"
Carry on: An officers reply to a junior person's call to "attention on deck", meaning all present rise and come to attention as a sign of respect. "Carry on" allows personnel to continue whatever they were doing. Also see "cannon ball" above.
CFIT (pron. see-fit): Controlled Flight into Terrain - When a pilot flies a perfectly good airplane into the ground or the water
Channel Fever: Said if a sailor is anxious when approaching port to get leave. Sometimes cured by the "Channel Fever Shot", a slap or kick to the backside.
Charlie Oscar: Phonetic letters C and O. Refers to the Commanding Officer of a unit.
CHENG: Chief Engineer
Chicken Suit: Is a yellow cloth suit that is worn from head-to-toe by navy "Nukes" (see below) when cleaning up radioactive spills or are otherwise in areas that may lead to skin contamination by radioactive material. To complete the ensemble, bright orange rubber gloves are worn as well.
Chit: Name given to the document a sailor fills out to make various types of special request (i.e. emergency leave, move off base to civilian housing, etc.)
*My Wife Chit: A special request that uses the wife as the excuse/justification for needing to be absent.
CIVLANT: Form DD-214 transfers you from COMSUBLANT to CIVLANT.
Chop, The: Supply Officer. Taken from the Supply Corps' porkchop-shaped insignia.
Chow: Food.
*Chow Boss: Food Service Officer.
*Chow down: Eat.
*Chow Hall: Dining room.
Chub Club: Sailors assigned mandatory physical training due to being overweight.
CIC: Combat Information Center - see "Combat" below
Cinderella Liberty: Liberty that expires at midnight.
Cleaning Stations: Hour-long field day evolution where everyone drops what they're doing and cleans their spaces. See "XO's Happy Hour"
Clobbered: When the landing pattern or the comms frequency at a field or ship is filled to capacity and you can't get an aircraft or a word in.
Coastie: A Coast Guardsman.
COB: (Submarine Service) The senior chief aboard: Chief of the Boat
COD: Carrier Onboard Delivery - the mighty C-2 Greyhound, which ferries people and supplies to and from the carrier on a regular basis.
Coffin Locker: A personal storage area located underneath a sailor's rack (see below).
Cold Shot: A catapult launch from a carrier in which insufficient speed is attained to generate lift. Often fatal for the aircrew if they do not eject in time.
Combat: Short for Combat Information Center (CIC). This space is a nexus where all of the ship's sensors and weapons systems come together. The room is filled with various screens and displays, and the Tactical Action Officer (TAO) "fights the ship" from there.
Combat Dump: Taking a shit right before a flight or a mission. Also called "putting the marines ashore" or "drowning an O-4."
Combo Cover: Short for Combination Cover, which is a type of hat worn by chiefs and officers. It is circular on top and covered with white or khaki fabric. On the front you'll find the officer's crest or the (senior or master) chief's insignia. Below that there is a chin strap and a black brim.
Commodore: Title of the Captain (O-6) in charge of a squadron of ships or submarines or a wing of the same type of aircraft. Prior to 1984 this was the designation given to the lowest rank of flag officer (O-7 or one-star). However there was occasional confusion with the other military branches over whether a Commodore was a flag officer. To be more inline with the other services, the US Navy changed the one-star title to Rear Admiral, Lower Half.
Comp Time: Compensation Time, time/days off during week for shore-based sailors who had weekend assignments, above and beyond mere watch-standing.
Coner: (Submarine Service) A submarine crewman who is not part of the engineering department (see Nuke below), especially Torpedomen. Also known as "Forward Pukes" (as opposed to "Fuckin' Nukes").
Corpsman Candy: Sore-throat lozenges handed out at sick bay in lieu of any substantive treatment. Sometimes accompanied by two aspirin.
Cover: Hat - see "piss cutter" and "combo cover"
Countersunk Sailor: female sailor.
Cracker Jacks: Slang for the dress blue uniforms worn by sailors below the rank of E-7
Crack House: Designated smoking area aboard ship that is not a weatherdeck space. Quickly fills with a haze of smoke. Also called "Crack shack".
Crash & Smash: Permanently assigned flight deck firefighting personnel. Also, a game played by aviation personnel involving several long tables and a great deal of beer, wherein the aviators attempt to replicate with their bodies the arrested landings their aircraft make.
Crazy Ivan: (Submarine Service), demonstrated in the movie The Hunt for Red October. Russian submarines would quickly turn 180 degrees while underway to see whether any American submarines were following. Collisions occasionally resulted during the Cold War.
Creamed foreskins: creamed chipped beef.
Crotch Crickets: Any of a wide range of venereal diseases. Used as justification for turning down sex from a potential partner ("Are you kidding? Her crotch crickets were jumping!")
Crow: Black eagle for petty officer rank used on a white uniform
Cruise: A 6-month (or longer) deployment on a ship. Work-ups precede cruise.
*Cruise sock: A sock that is sacrificed early in a deployment and used to clean up after masturbating. It is usually kept under the mattress and can stand up on its own by the end of cruise.
Crusty: A term applied to an old, seasoned sailor when he is beyond salty. It's time for him to retire, but he can't seem to let go, and the Navy forgot he was still around (frequently the case with geriatric Senior Chiefs). Can also describe a sailor's underwear, when that sailor has bowel control problems and personal hygeine problems.
Cryppy/Cryppy Critter: Cryptographer, also seen on a highway near the Cryptography School in San Angelo, Texas without vowels, as CRYPPY CRTTR.
Cunt Cover: See "Piss Cutter"
CVIC:(pron. "civic") Carrier Intelligence Center - centrally located space on an aircraft carrier occupied by intelligence officers and IS's. Flight crews often go there to debrief after a flight. The most useful thing in CVIC is usually the high-speed industrial strength paper shredder.

D

Danger Nut: A "fun" game in which one or more sailors place a washer or nut around a rod or similar metal device and then hold it to a steam vent. The washer or nut spins wildly due to the high pressure of the steam. Once it reaches a high enough speed, the rod is turned so that the steam blows the object completely off the rod and (hopefully) at another sailor, who then has to dodge the "danger nut."
D.B.F.: (Diesel Boats Forever) unauthorized pin showing a non-nuclear submarine. Originally intended by the makers to be awarded whenever a nuke boat went brokedick and a diesel boat had to fill its role. Later co-opted by the diesel fleet at large and sailors began wearing the pin with stars for each diesel boat they served on, rather than each emergency deployment due to nuclear boat breakdowns.
Deck: Floor.
Deck Ape: Non-designated enlisted person serving on the deck force, often as result of washing out of "A" school or being stripped of another rating.
Deep Six: Obsolete term for throwing something overboard; refers to the "deep six", the lowest fathom (six feet) before the ocean floor. Has been mostly replaced by Float Checking (see below).
Department: Highest organizational level in most naval commands. Common departments are admin, deck, engineering, operations, and maintenance. Broken up into divisions.
Deployment: When your unit travels "over the horizon" and operates at the "pointy end of the spear" in support of national security. Most naval deployments last a minimum of six months (if you're lucky!). Work-ups precede deployment. See "cruise."
Det: Short for detachment. When part of a unit leaves and operates at another ship or base. Also used in reference to some "workups" that involve the entire unit. Ex. NAS Fallon det
Dick Skinners: hands i.e. "get your dick skinners off my white hat"
Dicking the dog: putting "half-assed" effort into a task (refers to improperly securing the "dogs" on a watertight hatch when passing through. Such a lax procedure could spell doom for a sinking ship if hatches were not absolutely watertight). Also said as "poking the poodle". Not to be confused with "screwing the pooch" which refers to royally messing up a task.
Dicksmith: Yet another derogatory term for hospital corpsmen.
Dig-it: Someone who loves the Navy ("digs it"). Also a shortened form of "dig-it tool," a device such as a Leatherman or Gerber multi-tool often carried by those who love the Navy.
Dilbert: Fictional and cluess cartoon character used in WWII era training material to demonstrate what NOT to do in naval aviation. Dilbert often paid dearly for his ignorance, lack of attention to detail, or carelessness.
Dilbert Dunker: Device used in water survival training ("swims") to teach aviators how to get out of the cockpit of a fixed-wing aircraft that has crashed or ditched at sea. Much easier than the dreaded "helo dunker."
D.I.L.L.I.G.A.F: (Do I Look Like I Give A Fuck?), A term indicating supreme indifference; "Gaffer".
Ding: Similar to "hit" (see below). Also, to cause minor damage to something (Ex. He dinged his aileron when he had a birdstrike on final to the boat.)
Dining-in/Dining-out: Social functions, usually for officers and chiefs, where dinner dress is worn and certain "rules of the mess" are followed. Generally presided over by the Executive Officer (XO) and run by a Chief of Junior Officer (JO) called "Mr. Vice," these events can become quite rowdy and raucous. The difference between the two is that significant others may attend dining-outs. Dining- ins are for the servicemembers only.
dink: delinquent. "that shitbird is dink on ship's quals" or dual income no kids.
Dipper: An anti-submarine helo with a variable depth dipping SONAR. See "Dome."
Dirtbag: a term often used by an annoying lifer who has no life outside the navy to insult a sailor for having a few wrinkles in his uniform, having missed a spot while shaving, having a small spot on his uniform, having hair barely touching his ears, etc. compare to "A.J. squared away" above.
Dirty-shirt wardroom: (Aircraft Carrier): Forward wardroom for pilots wearing (sweaty) flight gear. As opposed to formal ship's wardroom.
Ditch: To intentionally crash land an aircraft as "gently" as possible - usually into the water. This is generally done when fuel is almost all used up with no hope of making it to a safe landing area, or when a slowly developing but potentially fatal emergency is going on.
Dit Dot Bomb: a form of hazing by taking the round paper cutouts left from a hole punch and putting them in a box or other container rigged to open and rain down on another. Mixing with shredded paper will give a greater effect.
Division: Middle organizational level in most naval commands, below department and above branch. Usually headed by a junior officer (JO). Common divisions are powerplants, airframes, 1st Lieutenant, etc... Divisions are sometimes divided into branches. A ship may have 1st and 2nd Divisions on the deck, M(mechanical) division and E(electical) division, and Auxilaries Division in engineering, Combat Systems division, and Weapons division as examples.
*DIVO: DIVision Officer. See above.
Ditty bag (usage varied): An issued sewing kit, kit of toiletries, or some combination. Occasionally: Any mesh bag, from the use of such to contain soiled laundry. (In days of yore before ample fresh water, such bags were pulled alongside for seawater rinsing.)
Dixie Cup: The canvas white hat Sailors wear with their dress uniforms.
DFOB: (pronounced "dee fob") Dumbest Fuck On Board.
Dock jumpers: The unfortunates who would have to leap ashore to tie up when no "line handlers" are available.
Dog: A Soft Serve Ice Cream machine. Named from the appearance of the Chocolate flavor in relation to a product of man's best friend. Also referred to as auto dog.
*Dog: To close or "dog down" a water tight hatch.
*Dog: When one is overworked by a pissed off superior("The chief completely dogged us."), screwed over by a peer ("That brown-nosing little prick found my apple jack, so he went to the MAA and dogged me.") , or, conversely, as a promise of impending doom ("Just wait until I get you in my galley, you little shitbird... I will dog you out".)
*Dog Log: An "unofficial" log which is kept by watch standers to record the important social events on the ship, such as: "STG3 Dirty Douche was caught with a fellow shipmate in coitus." It is vital entertainment for shipmates stuck on duty in exotic ports while the rest of the ship gets shit-faced. It can also contain humorous drawings of the LPO, CPO, or DIVO. It is therefore an unauthorized piece of "gear adrift" that is usually hidden in various stations so as not to be found by the meddling higher ups.
Dolphins: (Submarine Service) Submarine Qualification Device, called dolphins because of the dolphin fish used in the design.
Dome: A SONAR transmitter/receiver. It may be fixed, as in those mounted on the bow of a ship below the waterline, or mobile like those "dipped" by anti-submarine helos.
Donkey-Dick: Term used for many nozzle shaped implements
Double-Digit Midget: Less than 100 days to EAOS. Also known as a "Two-Digit Midget"; pick your own favorite alliteration.
Double Nuts: Name given to the (usually brightly painted) CAG bird in each squadron in the airwing - so called because the side number ends with double zeros.
Double Ugly: Nickname for the F-4 Phantom back in the day
Douche Kit: Container (usually zipper closed) for toilet articles such as shaving cream, deoderant, after shave lotion, etc.
Down: Not working, out of commission, broken, "broke-dick." In aviation, non-flyable, usually for maintenance reasons. When applied to an aviator, it means not allowed to fly. This can be for a variety of reasons: medical, personal, disciplinary, etc... In flight training, a down is a failed flight.
Drift Count: Monitoring the movement of the ship while at anchor.
Drifty: Sailor lacking the ability to stay focused while attempting to perform a given task. (Petty Officer to sailor, is there something the matter with you ? you are acting drifty today!)
*Drifter: Sailor who at all times lacks the ability to stay focused. Also called drift-pack, or in the very extreme case "COMNAVDRIFTPAC", a parody of COMNAVSURFPAC.
Drop a Chit: The act of filling out a chit.
Drop your cocks and grab your socks: A saying that the petty officer of the watch yells in the sleeping quarters when it's time for everyone to get up. Often done in boot camp.
Dynamited Chicken: Chicken a la King or Chicken Cacciatore.

E

EAOS: End of Active Obligated Service. This is the normal end of enlistment unless the person reenlists. At this point the sailor is transferred into a non-active reserve status if they have spent less the eight years active duty for a length of time to result in eight years total active service or reserves and non-active reserves.
EAWS: Enlisted Air Warfare Specialist. Often pronounced "A-wis".
Ed's Motel: Navy Filmmakers' acronym for Editorials, Motion Picture, and Television Department.
Emergency Blow (Submarine Service); Also known as "Hittin' the Chicken Switches": When a submarine is made to rapidly blow all the seawater out of her main ballast tanks; this results in a rapid (and uncontrolled) ascent to the surface. This makes an impressive display as the sub breaks the surface, as seen on TV: few submariners have ever seen this big splash, except on TV. The only thing submarine crewmen get to see during an emergency blow is: (1) the depth gauge moving counter-clockwise towards surface depth, and (2) all the unsecured gear hitting the overhead when surface depth is achieved.
End-of-the-World Party: A party for a sailor who is about to leave on a cruise, often much like a bachelor party. It is said that this tradition originates with Vikings, who believed that they might sail off the end of world.
Ensign Upper Half: Alternative designation for those who fail to live up to the standards of O-2.
Enswine: Derogatory term for an ensign.
ESWS: Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist. Often pronounced "E-swas".
E-ticket: When an officer has sex with an enlisted sailor it is referred to as the officer "getting her e-ticket punched." Unheard of on real Navy fighting ships (which have all-male crews). See "Rimjob" below.
Evolution: Navy preferred term for exercise.

F

FAG: Fighter Attack Guy - an F/A-18 Hornet/Super Hornet pilot or naval flight officer ("NFO").
F.A.W.C.U. (pronounced Fuck you) (Submarine Service): Focused After Watch Clean Up: usually between 1 to 2 hours of "Field Day" after every watch rotation. More specifically in engineering spaces since Nukes are too fucking good to clean their own spaces.
Fart sack: Canvas mattress cover. (In cold conditions sailors would sleep inside them for extra warmth.)
Fart Suit: Dry suit worn by aviators when flying over extremely cold water. Keeps out the cold, keeps everything in.
FEP: Fitness Enhancement Program. Mandatory physical training regimen designed to return sailors to within physical readiness standards. Also refers to sailors who are enrolled in the program... Fat Enlisted People / Forced Exercise Program. See "Chub Club".
Field Day: All hands clean-up. usually lasts on a good day about 3-4 hours. (30 min of cleaning and 2-4 hours of fucking off.)
Field Survey: To discard a worn-out item ("in the field," often off the end of the pier) instead of sumbitting for formal "survey" to determine redistribution or disposal. Sometimes items handed down to a needier local unit.
F.I.I.G.M.O.: (Fuck It, I Got My Orders); refusal of a long or tough assignment near the end of a duty rotation. Also seen as a name badge at this time, so officers/petty officers will forget your real name.
Fighting gear: eating utensils.
Five and Dimes: A watch rotation where the sailor or watch team stand five hours of watch, then have ten hours off (to clean, perform maintenance, train, get qualified, conduct drills, take care of divisional business or their collateral duty, eat, shower, and occasionally sleep). This follows from a three-section watch rotation, and results in the sailor standing watch at a different time every day and night, repeating every three days.
Fish: (Submarine Service) See Dolphins, above. Also "torpedo".
Flag Deck: command level on large ships for Admirals (flag rank, because they are entitled to show a flag with appropriate number of stars on a car, ship, etc. if they are present)
Flathatting: Flying in a dangerous manner and performing unsafe and unnecessary maneuvers for the purpose of thrillseeking or fun.
Flattop: Aircraft carrier. Also the haircut worn by truly motivated sailors.
Fleet Up: When a second in command takes his senior's place upon that senior's transfer, retirement, or other re-assignment.
Fleet Tac: Fleet Tactical radio frequency. This frequency is supposed to be monitored by every US and NATO ship in the world at all times. In reality, this is rarely the case.
Flight Deck Buzzard: chicken (food).
Flight Line: The area on a ship or station where aircraft are made ready for flight. Also used as a prank on gullible new sailors, as in "Go get me 100 feet of flight line from the crash shack."
Float Check (also Flotation Testing): Throwing something overboard.
Float she may, shine she must: May be heard from grumbling enlisted when the command decides that ship cleanliness takes precedence over all else. "I have maintenance to do. Why are we out here field-daying the p-way?"
Floating Bellhop: Derisive Army term for sailor.
Float Coat: Jacket worn by almost all personnel on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier during flight operations. Should a sailor find himself blown overboard, the float coat will automatically inflate floatation bladders when it hits salt water. This garment also contains signalling devices and manual inflation tubes. The jackets come in different colors to identify the crewmwmber's job on the flight deck. See "skittles"
Flying Bravo: Menstruating; from the signal flag.
Foc's'le Follies: A gathering of all the aviators in the airwing in the carrier's foc's'le (forecastle). The CAG, ship's CO, and battle group admiral are also usually invited and present. The "official" reason for this event is to hand out awards to the top aviators. The most enjoyable parts are the "roll calls" from each squadron, and the skits that two or three of the squadrons perform. If the roll call or the skit fails to amuse the rest of the airwing, the offending squadron is booed and belittled mercilessly. Follies are held about every 6 to 8 weeks while on deployment.
FNG: Fuckin' New Guy - self-explanatory
Fobbit: Due to there being a large bounty for female doctors and officers many non-combatant women are relegated to staying within the confines of Foward Operating Bases (FOB)in Iraq.
FOD: Foreign Object Damage. Caused by Foreign Object Debris, such as nuts, bolts, or anything that could be sucked into a jet engine, damaging it. At aviation commands, FOD can also describe a worthless individual, i.e. "If Airman Smith isn't in this shop in 5 minutes, write that piece of FOD up."
FOD Walk Down: A periodic, organized search on an aircraft carrier flight deck or hangar deck looking for debris that a jet engine might ingest.
Form: Short for formation. This is when one or more aircraft or ships maneuver in close proximity while maintaining constant relative positions to each other.
Forward: The direction towards the bow of the ship (if you are walking towards the bow, you are going forward). May also be used as a relative indicator (as in the "forward berthing areas" or the "forward mess decks").
Four (4) by Eight (8) Watch: The worst watch section to be in because your first watch is 0400 to 0800, then you work your duty station until 1600, followed by your second watch 1600 to 2000, every day.
Freeboard: On a ship or boat, this is the vertical distance between the waterline and the "gunwale" (see below).
Freq:(pron. freak) Short for frequency
Frock: A procedure in the Navy allowing a recently advanced sailor to wear the insignia of the next higher paygrade (and enjoy the privilieges thereto) before he has officially been advanced to that grade. Frocking is generally accompanied by the informal ceremony of "tacking on" your crow (q.v.).
FRS: Fleet Replacement Squadron - see "RAG" below
FTN: Fuck the Navy (common ephitet used when complaining about naval policies or regulations). Often scrawled on the walls of toilet stalls by sailors who have been assigned to clean it for a reason. Also can refer to "Free The Nukes," referring to sailors in the nuclear power field. Also refers to a mythical rate or ship type an "FTN Striker" says he/she is trying to get in (i.e. Fleet Tug-Nuclear, Fire Technician-Nuclear)
*FTN Striker: Sailor whose stated goal/desire is get discharged
F.U.B.A.R.: Fouled up beyond all repair, Fucked up beyond all recognition. (Foobar)
F.U.B.I.J.A.R.: Fuck You Buddy, I'm Just A Reservist ("backbone of the Navy")
F.U.P.A.: Fat Upper Pussy Area, pronounced foopa. A perjorative term referring to an overweight female sailor and the bulge that protrudes from ill fitting pants.
Fuck the mission, clean the position: Break out the swabs.
Fuck You, strong message follows: Seen on a numerical list of epithet substitutions (the unauthorized "Falcon Code," derived from the "Charlie Echo" code), especially transmitted over radio, which has to stay clean
Fun Boss: Morale, Welfare and Recreation Officer
Fun Meter: Fictitious gauge that shows the amount of mirth one is experiencing in any given situation. Most often used sarcastically to express extreme boredom or disinterest. "Please end this redass of an AOM. My fun meter is pegged!" See "suck meter"

G

Gaff Off: When a junior person ignores or purposely fails to show proper respect to a senior person. Examples may include blowing off an assigned task, not saluting, or using improper forms of address.
Gator-Freighter: Ship used in amphibious warfare, or generally the transportation of marines and their equipment. Especially, a carrier-like vessel (amphibious assault ship) whose primary purpose is to put ass in the grass.
Galley: Crews' mess, or dining area. Place where food is prepared for consumption.
Gear adrift: Loose or unsecured gear or equipment. Also a less-than-flattering assessment of a sailor "Seaman Jones is gear adrift!"
Geedunk: Candy, or a place that sells candy in a short form of Gedunk bar. Also "ice cream".
General Quarters: (GQ) Every sailor has an assigned duty station to be manned during an emergency.
George: The juniormost officer onboard a surface ship. Also spelled "JORG", meaning Junior Officer Requiring Guidance.
Gerbil Alley: Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates. The only guaranteed port visit during any deployment.
Gerbil Gym: Exercise space on board ship with treadmills, stationary bikes, and elliptical trainers - all pieces of equipment on which you perform motions that should move you to another place, but you remain in the same position like a gerbil on its wheel.
Ghetto: Open-bay barracks, usually reserved for single sailors who are in transit or otherwise temporarily assigned there.
Ghost turd: The sailor's term for a dust bunny.
Gig line: The visual line formed by uniform zipper, belt buckle, and buttoned shirt seam. Also used as another in-joke to send new sailors on a wild goose chase. See bulkhead remover.
GITMO: Guantanamo Bay Naval Station on Cuba.
Goat locker: Lounge or galley for the exclusive use of Chiefs.
Goatrope or goatfuck: Any situation that is "FUBAR."
God Junior-Grade: Derisive term for superior.
Goes Away: What happens to an enemy aircraft when it is hit by a missile
Goggles: Short for Night Vision Goggles, which greatly amplify ambient light allowing the user to see in a green monochrome at night.
Golden Dragon: A sailor who has crossed the Prime Meridian or the International Date Line into the Eastern Hemisphere.
Golden rivet: Folklore that every ship is built containing a single, commemorative "golden rivet"
Golden Shellback: A sailor who has crossed the equator at the 180th Meridian
The Goo: Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC). When an aviator flies an aircraft into the clouds, can no longer see the earth or the horizon, and is dependent on instruments for navigation, he is said to be "in the goo." This is usually done intentionally when flying with an Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) flight plan, but can lead to high "pucker factor" when it is done accidentally.
Good Humor Man: Reference to the Summer White uniform. This is an all-white short sleeve cotton uniform that makes the wearer look suspiciously like the ice cream man.
Goon It Up or Gooned Up: To execute poorly a task that is generally routine or commonplace. (Ex. He really gooned up that landing.)
Gouge: The inside scoop, the skinny, the low-down. Only the information you need to know in a given situation, with nothing else to waste your time. Some black shoes say "Live by the gouge, die by the gouge." Aviators correctly say "Live by the gouge, EXCEL by the gouge."
Grape: (Submarine Service) Easy as pie, man. Examples: "This is fuckin' grape duty" or "That was a fuckin' grape sig, you cocksuckin' asshole piece of shit." Latter example can be translated as "Bravo Zulu, shipmate!!" (See Bravo Zulu, above). (Also see "sig" below).
*Grape: (Aviation Service) A sailor in an aviation fuels rating. So named because of the purple flight deck jersey.
Great Mistakes: common ephitet used when complaining about RTC/NTC Great Lakes Illinois
Green Scrubby: Mildly abrasive scouring pad. Also called a "Greeny Weeny". It's green, of course.
Gripe: slang for a MAF (Maintenance Action Form), which is written when something is wrong with an aircraft.
Grog: Initially, this referred to the watered down rum ration given daily to sailors in the Royal Navy. Presently in the USN, it refers to the alcoholic brew offered at social events like "dining-ins" and "dining-outs." Depending on the wardroom and in particular on the person preparing the grog, it may be pleasant and delicious or one of the most foul and disgusting beverages ever conceived.
Gronk: (Submarine Service) when a bolt or nut has been or is in process of being tightened so much that the operator of the wrench or ratchet sees stars when applying. "Who the Fuck gronked this nut on so tight?" See "Star tight"
Ground-Pounder: Navy term for Marines, specifically infantry. Generally pejorative.
G.U.A.M.: "Giving Up and Masturbating"--common sailor's complaint about being stationed on the remote island of Guam.
*G.U.A.M.: "Gooks Under American Management"--racist sailors' acronym for the island of Guam.
*G.U.A.M.: Give Us American Money
Guard: Standardized emergency radio frequencies that are constantly monitored by ships and aircraft. High Frequency (HF) guard is 40.5 MHz, Very High Frequency (VHF) guard is 121.5 MHz, and Ultra High Frequency (UHF) guard is 243.0 MHz. See "Air Force Common"
Gumby Suit: Brightly colored, puffy anti-exposure survival suit somewhat resembling the claymation character with the same name.
Gundeck: to juryrig something; falsifying or misrepresenting records and reports. The term originates from the days of sail, when ships would sometimes paint black squares along the hull to represent more gun ports than they actually had.
Gun Boss: Weapons Department head.
Guns: a sailor in the Gunner's Mate rating.
Gunwale: (pronounced "gunnel") The top of the hull portion of a ship that runs down the port and starboard sides.
Gyrene: derogatory Navy term for a U.S. Marine. Also called "Jarheads"

H

HAC: (pronounced "hack") Helicopter Aircraft Commander - the pilot in command of a helo.
Hack: Unofficial punishment where an officer is confined to his stateroom, usually during a port call.
Halfway-Night: (Submarine Service) Party night on pre-determined 1/2 length of boat's patrol. Tenderloin and lobster, frozen, but good.
Haji: Anything middle eastern in origin. See Abu Dhabi.
Hangar Queen: an aircraft that is chronically down or "broke-dick." These aircraft are often used for parts to keep the rest of the aircraft flying. See "Cann"
Haole: Pronounced "How-Lee" Hawaiian term for non-native. A dangerous thing for a sailor to be around Pearl Harbor as some of the natives see them as easy targets for crime, especially when local law-enforcement doesn't seem to care.
Hatch: a vertical access for traveling between decks.
Haze Gray and Underway: Surface ships in arduous duty at sea, in contrast to aircraft carriers or submarines, or naval units in ceremonial roles or in port. It is a term of tribal pride and identification, e.g. surface ship crew use it to distinguish themselves from submarine crew or aircraft carrier crew.

For more details on this topic, see Haze gray and underway.