Building on the success of FUBAR: Soldier Slang of World War II, Gordon Rottman returns to the world of World War II slang to cover the armies, air forces and navies of Great Britain, the USA and Germany.
Military life has always been ruled by its own language, specific sets of terms and phrases that separate the serving man or woman from their civilian counterpart. There is the official version of ranks and acronyms, and the more unofficial, colloquial language of the barrack room and battlefield.
This follow-up to 2007's FUBAR: Soldier Slang of World War II differs from the original book in that it covers the slang of sailors and airman as well as soldiers. Detailed sections are included for each of the major combatants of World War II, and additional appendices detail the nicknames given to the major surface vessels and aircraft types of the war.
This title explores the language and slang of the major combatant powers, delving into their origins and explaining their uses. All of this is illustrated with contemporary cartoons and other images showing the phrases in use.
Gordon L. Rottman entered the US Army in 1967, volunteered for Special Forces and completed training as a weapons specialist. He served in the 5th Special Forces Group in Vietnam in 1969-70 and subsequently in airborne infantry, long-range patrol and intelligence assignments before retiring after 26 years. He was a Special Operations Forces scenario writer at the Joint Readiness Training Center for 12 years and is now a freelance writer, living in Texas.
Acknowledgments
Author's note
Introduction
Phonetic Alphabets
US Navy
US Aviation Services
US Army and Marine Corps
Royal Navy
Royal Air Force
British Army
Kriegsmarine
Luftwaffe
Heer
Appendix 1 - Crew Nicknames for Ships
Appendix 2 - US Navy Ship Types
Appendix 3 - US Aircraft Official Names
Appendix 4 - Commonwealth Official Aircraft Names
Appendix 5 - Aircraft Class and Manufactures' Codes
Abbreviations
Select Bibliography