Swear Like a Trooper: A Dictionary of Military Terms & Phrases
Editorial Reviews
Book Description
For the armchair linguist or the military historian, this is a comprehensive compilation of military lingo from Hannibal to Hanoi. William Priest traces the evolution of each term or phrase as it moves from its point of origin to other branches of service and into foreign countries. For instance, in the 19th century a "swab" was a mop made from condemned rope; however, it was also the sailor's slang for naval officer, from the shoulder epaulets (a mop-like braid) that marked an officer's rank. At that time, to call a sailor a swab was one of the highest forms of insult; it was not until the 1880s that sailors were called swabs or swabbies (men who swab the decks) in general lingo. Examples such as these can be found throughout SWEAR LIKE A TROOPER.
About the Author
William L. Priest, a graduate of Towson State University in History and Social Studies, is a teacher with experience as a living historian aboard the U.S.S. Constellation in Baltimore Harbor. He performs annually at several maritime festivals.
Swear Like a Trooper: A Dictionary of Military Terms & Phrases,William L. Priest,Rockbridge Pub Co,1883522137,Armed Forces,Dictionaries,Dictionaries - General,Dictionaries - Idioms & Slang,History - General History,Military - General,Military art and science,Reference,Soldiers,Terminology,United States,Armed forces - US,Armed forces - international,Terms & phrases - military
Books Report:
Recommended Books