A Collection of World War II Slang From the Front
Ack-Ack. Anti-aircraft fire.
Admiral of the Swiss Navy. A self-important person.
Ammo. Ammunition.
All-Out. With full vigor, determination, or enthusiasm.
Armed to the Teeth. Well equipped with firearms; alert; fully prepared; awake to danger.
Armored Cow. Canned milk. Variations: Armored Heifer; Canned Cow.
Army Banjo. Shovel.
Army Chicken. Franks and beans.
Army Strawberries. Prunes.
Asparagus Stick. A submarine’s periscope.
Asthma. The company wit, so-called because he’s full of wheezes (jokes).
AWOL. Absence without official leave.
Awkward Squad. Men who require extra instruction at drill.
Axle Grease. Butter.
BAM. A “broad-assed Marine” (i.e., a female Marine).
Baby. Mustard; from its resemblance to that which comes out of the hind end of an infant.
B-ache/bellyache. To complain.
Bags of Mystery. Sausages.
Bail Out. Parachute jump from plane; by extension, to get out of a situation like a date.
Baptized by Fire. To have been under enemy fire for the first time; to have received one’s first wounds.
Bath Tub. Motorcycle sidecar.
Battery Acid. Artificial lemonade powder included in K-rations — considered undrinkable and regularly discarded or used as cleaning solution.
Battle Breakfast. A Navy term referring to the heavy breakfast of steak and eggs commonly given to sailors and Marines on the morning of a combat operation.
Battle Watch. To do one’s best under difficult circumstances.
Bayonet Course. Hospital treatment for venereal diseases. “Bayonet” refers to the male member.
Beachhead. A beach where invading forces land; a fortified position on a beach.
Beat Your Gums. To talk a lot about something. Variations: Gumming; Jawing; Chin Music.
Become a Gold Star in Mom’s Window. A gentle way of saying killed in action.
Bedpan Commando. Medical corpsman.