The origin of the term "cup of joe" for coffee is a bit murky, and there are a few theories about where it comes from. Some believe the term originated from the U.S. Navy. In 1914, Secretary of the Navy Josephus "Joe" Daniels issued General Order 99, which banned alcohol on Navy ships. As a result, coffee became the strongest drink available to sailors, and it was nicknamed "a cup of Joe" in his honor. However, there’s no concrete evidence to confirm this theory.
Some linguists suggest that "Joe" could have evolved from other coffee-related slang, like "java" or "jamoke" (a blend of "java" and "mocha"), which were popular terms for coffee in the early 20th century.
SNAFU stands for "Situation Normal: All F’ed Up." It originated in the U.S. military during World War II as part of a trend of using sarcastic acronyms to describe bureaucratic inefficiency and the general chaos of military life.
The term was initially used among soldiers as a way to express frustration with the constant state of disorganization and problems that were treated as routine. Over time, SNAFU entered civilian use and is now commonly used to describe any situation that is chaotic, disorganized, or generally messed up but still somehow considered "normal" within that context.
The term FUBAR is an acronym that originated in the military, specifically during World War II, and it stands for "F’ed Up Beyond All Recognition.” FUBAR was part of a broader trend of acronyms and slang developed by soldiers during World War II to cope with the chaos and absurdity of war.
After the war, many veterans returned home and brought their military slang with them. Terms like FUBAR began to seep into civilian life as veterans used them in casual conversation. The acronym's humorous and exaggerated nature made it memorable and easy to adopt in non-military contexts.
While “chow” originated from a Chinese word, the term was widely adopted by the U.S. military, particularly the Army and Marines, where chow became a common slang term for food. Terms like chow hall (mess hall) and chow time (mealtime) became standard military jargon.
By the mid-20th century, it was commonly used in everyday speech, especially in informal or humorous contexts. Phrases like let’s chow down (meaning “let’s eat”) became part of everyday language.
The term R&R, which stands for "Rest and Recuperation," was first used in the military to describe a period of leave or downtime given to soldiers to recover from the physical and mental toll of combat or deployment. It was especially common during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
Over time, R&R became a shorthand for any kind of break or vacation, especially to recover from stress or exhaustion. It was no longer tied exclusively to military service. Employers and organizations began using the term to describe time off for employees, recognizing the importance of rest for productivity and well-being.
MIA stands for "Missing in Action" and originally came from military terminology. It was used to describe service members who were unaccounted for after a battle, meaning their fate—whether killed, captured, or otherwise lost—was unknown. The term became widely recognized during and after World War II, particularly with concerns about soldiers who were missing in combat.
Over time, MIA transitioned into civilian use, largely due to its frequent appearance in news reports, war movies, and discussions about prisoners of war (especially during the Vietnam War, when concerns about missing soldiers were particularly prominent). By the late 20th century, MIA had taken on a more casual, figurative meaning in everyday speech.
The term AWOL, which stands for "Absent Without Leave," originated as a military term used to describe a service member who is absent from their post or duty without official permission. It has been part of military jargon for decades, particularly in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Movies, TV shows, and books often depict military life or use military slang to add authenticity or drama. Eventually, people started using AWOL metaphorically to describe situations where someone is unexpectedly absent or missing, even outside of a military setting.
PT, short for "Physical Training," has its roots in the military, where it refers to the structured exercise routines that service members perform to maintain physical fitness. Over time, it has made its way into everyday language, becoming a widely recognized term for exercise or fitness activities.
As fitness culture grew, especially with the rise of group exercise classes, personal training, and gym culture, people began using "PT" to refer to their own workouts. It became a convenient, catchy way to talk about physical training, whether in a military context or not.
In the Navy and other branches of the military, Bravo Zulu is used to formally or informally praise someone for a job well done, whether it's completing a mission successfully, performing well in training, or showing exemplary effort. It remains most common in naval contexts but is also used in the broader military community. It originated from the NATO phonetic alphabet, where Bravo represents the letter B, and Zulu represents Z.
Veterans who transition into civilian life bring military jargon with them, often using terms like Bravo Zulu in workplaces or casual settings. Some police, fire, and first responder units (which have strong ties to military culture) have adopted the phrase as a way to recognize good work. In some professional settings, particularly those influenced by leadership training with military roots, Bravo Zulu is used as a way to give recognition, though it’s far less common than simply saying "well done."
In a military context, a full metal jacket (FMJ) refers to a type of bullet. These bullets have a soft core (usually lead) encased in a harder metal shell, or "jacket." The design helps the bullet maintain its shape upon impact, penetrate targets more effectively, and reduce fouling in the gun barrel. FMJ ammunition is widely used in military operations because of its durability and efficiency.
The term "Full Metal Jacket" became widely recognized outside of military and firearms circles due to Stanley Kubrick's 1987 war film of the same name. The movie, based on the novel The Short-Timers by Gustav Hasford, is a gritty and unflinching portrayal of the Vietnam War, focusing on the dehumanizing effects of military training and combat.
The word "tanked" originally referred to tanks, the armored combat vehicles used in warfare. Over time, "tanked" became military slang, often used to describe situations involving tanks or the destructive power they brought to the battlefield. In some contexts, "tanked" also came to mean being overwhelmed or defeated, possibly drawing from the idea of being "run over" or crushed by a tank.
The term "tanked" became notable because of its flexibility and the strong imagery it conveys. Whether describing failure, intoxication, or exhaustion, it paints a vivid picture of something heavy, overwhelming, or out of control.
The word "muster" comes from the Old French word moustrer, meaning "to show" or "to display," and the Latin monstrare, meaning "to demonstrate." The term has been used in military settings for centuries and is still a standard term in modern armed forces. For example, a "muster roll" is a list of personnel, and "muster" can also refer to periodic gatherings for accountability or readiness checks.
In non-military contexts, "muster" can refer to assembling a group of people for a specific purpose, such as a meeting, event, or emergency. For example, "The team mustered in the conference room." "Muster" is frequently used to describe the act of summoning or gathering internal resources, such as strength, courage, or energy. For instance, "She mustered the courage to speak up" or "He mustered all his strength to finish the race."
In its original context, the Sergeant Major was responsible for organizing troops, maintaining discipline, and ensuring the smooth execution of orders on the battlefield. Over time, the role evolved into a senior enlisted position, often serving as the principal advisor to commanding officers on matters related to enlisted personnel. In modern militaries, the Sergeant Major is a prestigious rank, often associated with leadership, discipline, and authority.
In civilian contexts, calling someone a "Sergeant Major" often implies that they are strict, authoritative, or highly disciplined. For example, a demanding boss or a no-nonsense coach might be referred to as a "Sergeant Major" for their leadership style.
"Grunt" originally referred to a low, guttural noise often associated with pigs or other animals. The transition to a military term took place in the 20th century, particularly during the Vietnam War. U.S. soldiers, particularly infantrymen, began referring to themselves as "grunts"—a self-deprecating, informal term suggesting they were the ones doing the hard, dirty, and dangerous work of combat.
After the Vietnam War, "grunt" gained broader usage, filtering into civilian life with meanings associated with hard, unappreciated labor. Today, it is commonly used to refer to low-ranking workers in demanding jobs.
The term "squad" comes from the Italian squadrone (meaning "battalion" or "large group"). It entered English through French and was first used in the military to describe small tactical units. By the 17th century, "squad" referred to a small group of soldiers within a larger regiment. In modern military organizations, a squad typically consists of 8–12 soldiers led by a sergeant.
By the early 20th century, "squad" started appearing outside of purely military contexts but still retaining its general meaning of a small, tactical team. By the 2010s, "squad" took on a new cultural life, particularly in pop culture and social media, where the term started being used informally to refer to a close-knit group of friends.
