Definitions
(Aircraft role) Puke: (n.) A fellow aircrew officer from the different aircraft role described. Eg: Fighter ~ Aircraft type mate
(Any percentage) above 100%: (n.) Phrase used to exaggerate the quantity of something. Eg: 110%
(anything) ism : (n.) Suffix applied to the end of any word when describing traits that apply only to that word. Eg: It's just a sim~.
(someone's name) In the chair: (phr.) Usually said at meteorological briefings to indicate that the named person is responsible for the forecast that is to be briefed.
(Something) fires (Something) stops*: (phr.) Phrase taken from standard British weapon training phraseology but applied to everyday objects that have ceased to work correctly. Eg: stapler ~.
(The shortening of any RAF Station name to its 1st 3 letters): (unknown) Shortening the station names in writing is acceptable, however using the shortened names in conversation is not. EG; Cot, Wit, Con.
...And relax: (inst.) No more participation is required of you at this time. Chill herbs, Hang slack, Chill your beans cf. Standby to standby
...Bag fit: (adj.) The number of external fuel tanks fitted to an aircraft. Eg: We are flying a 4 ~ today. Jugs
...for mum: (n.) An arbitrary increase of a safety margin to make one feel better.
...Wise: (adj.) In respect of.
180-by-zip: (adj.) Head-to-head. Beak to beak, Snot locker
2 v 1: (adv.) A menage a trois or threesome. From air combat terminology frequently used by fast jet aircrew.
200 Kt Pizza: (n.) The splatter of vomit in a sink
29th Flare: (n.) The navigator in a Tornado Gr4.
3 fingers of death: (n.) An SA6 surface to air missile system.
3kg terror weapon : (n.) A 3kg practice bomb. MOAB
65 Reverse Squadron : (n.) 56 (Reserve) Sqn, The Tornado F3 Operational Conversion Unit
A BITE and download: (v.) To defecate. Eg: I'm going for ~. Reduce the boarding mass, dump down to landing weight, increase the gliding range, Drop a paveway 6
A boot-full: (n.) A large amount of movement of one's foot. Eg: Give it a ~ of rudder.
A gallop through*: (n.) A brief summary of all pertinent information relating to the subject under discussion. Whistle stop tour, A quick canter through
A kill is a kill: (truism.) A successfully completed sortie is a successfully completed sortie no matter what the score. Aircrew A cf. Tick in the box
A-level: (adj.) Something that is difficult or complicated.
Above my pay grade*: (phr.) Used to suggest that nothing can be done about an unfavourable situation because the speaker does not hold enough rank or influence to affect change in the matter.
Ackle: (v.) To adjust something instinctively to make it work in reality. cf. Fettle, Fudge, Frig
Actual*: (adv.) To sleep under the covers. cf. Simulated
Adolf Hitler : (n.) A cup of tea or coffee that is white with one lump. NATO standard, Whoopie Goldberg, Linford Christie, Shirley Bassey
Adopt the position: (v.) 1. Prepare yourself for mental or physical pain/anguish. 2. Prepare to sit in the crew room for a very long time. cf. Chill herbs, For you the war is over
Advisory for aircrew: (phr.) A phrase used to excuse the breaking of rules. A classic example of colossal arrogance.
Affirm: (int.) A confirmatory response. Roger cf. Negatron, Negatroid, Negative
Aggressively below average: (adj.) Derogatory term for describing very poor performance.
Agressively average: (adj.) Often self depreciating way of saying that you could have done better.
Agricultural: (adv.) 'Heavy handed' flying.
Ahead of the aircraft: (adj.) Prepared to a greater extent than would be expected during flight. Ahead of the game cf. On top of things, All over it like a (cheap) rash
Ahead of the drag curve: (adj.) Prepared to a greater extent than would be expected. Ahead of the aircraft, Ahead of the game cf. On top of things, All over it like a (cheap) rash
Ahead of the game: (adj.) Prepared to a greater extent than would be expected. Ahead of the aircraft, Ahead of the drag curve cf. On top of things, All over it like a (cheap) rash
Air tragic: (n.) The Air Traffic Control branch.
Aircraft type mate: (n.) A fellow aircrew officer, from the fleet of that particular aircraft type. Eg: Jag Mate cf. Charioteer
Aircrew A : (n.) A below average sortie score, but a pass. A kill is a kill
Aircrew reset/recycle: (v.) To turn a piece of equipment off and then back on as many times as are required before correct function is achieved. O.N. / O.F.F. Switch cf. Engineering tap
Aircrew sunshine : (adj.) Very poor weather which restricts flying operations Clag, Shit and corruption, Shit and derision
AL number : (adj.) An addition to the plan.
Alarm bells: (n.) Fictional bells that supposedly ring in one's head to alert one that there is something fundamentally wrong with the situation.
Alibis: (pl. n.) Excuses for imminent poor performance.
All over it like a (cheap) rash : (adj.) Competent in every way at dealing with the situation. Ahead of the aircraft, Ahead of the drag curve, Ahead of the game, On top of things
All that Jazz: (n.) All other items pertaining to the subject of discussion. cf. Niff naff and trivia
Alone and unafraid: (adj.) Term used to describe the act of operating on one's own.
Aluminium death cloud: (n.) A term used to describe a very large formation, usually a 9-ship.
An Egg sucking exercise : (n.) Time spent teaching someone things that they already know how to do. Suck Eggs
Angels: (pl. n.) Height in thousands of feet eg "Everything Angels 14 and above is yours"
Any spears for me?*: (phr.. qn.) A question asking whether there is any impending criticism to come. Ususally used at the end of a debrief.
Arb: (abbr. adj.) Arbitrary. There is nothing significant about this thing. Nebby
Army shower: (v.) To use deodorant to mask the smell of body odour instead of normal hygienic methods.
Around the bazaars: (prep.) In other forums. Round the houses
Arse about face: (adj.) Back to front.
As advertised : (adj.) As planned/briefed/illustrated with no change. As fragged
As fragged: (adj.) As planned/briefed/illustrated with no change. As advertised
As is/was: (adj.) Term to describe taking something as it comes or as it came.
As you were…: (phr.) I have acknowledged your response to my arrival, and I am saying this in order to appear to have an air of authority.
Ascoteer*: (n.) A member of 2 Group.
At the end of the day: (phr.) After everything else has been taken into consideration this is the most important fact. Usually used to describe at least 5 different facts. Bottom line, When push comes to shove cf. NB
At the lastminute.com*: (phr.) At the last minute.
At the speed of a thousand gazelles : (adj.) Extremely fast indeed. Meningy knots, Shit off a shiny shovel, Warp-factor snot, Balls out or Balls to the wall
At the subsequent board of enquiry: (phr.) A phrase used to illustrate the importance of obeying and not deviating from the rules when flying so that if something should go wrong one would not be culpable at a board of enquiry.
Auntie Betty : (n.) Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Authmanship: (blank) The measure of how tidy one’s writing is on the Sqn’s Authorisation Sheets. eg: Whose chicken scribble is this in the sheets? They need to work on their ~
Babbage : (v.) The act of having a kebab. I went for some ~ on the way back from the pub.
Babygrow: (n.) An aircrew coverall. Goonbag, Growbag
Back for tea and medals: (phr.) The end of a successful sortie.
Back in your box: (phr.) Please cease to consider your inputs to this conversation of any significance. Wind your neck in
Back of a fag packet: (n.) An quickly prepared adequate plan conceived and developed without recourse to full planning aids.
Back of the net : (n.) I am happy with the way the situation has turned out.
Bad lands: (adj.) Enemy territory Sausage side
Badger: (stat.) Said to exclaim to all that you have just passed wind. Chaff
Bag of bits: (n.) A disorganised terrible mess. Eg: He arrived in a ~. Tits up, Ball of chalk, Mare, Rolling goat, Cluster fuck, Clatter of bits
Bag of shit: (n.) 1. Something particularly displeasing. 2. A person with exceptionally poor dress standards. Bag of wank
Bag of wank: (n.) Something particularly displeasing. Bag of shit
Ball ache: (n.) Used to describe an activity that is not enjoyed usually because it is seen as irrelevant or too time consuming. Nause, Chaffe
Ball of chalk: (sim.) A disorganised terrible mess. Eg: It's all gone to a ~. Tits up, Clatter of bits, Rolling goat, Cluster fuck
Ball park: (n.) A rough estimate. Good enough for government work, There or there abouts
Ball/Wheels in motion : (phr.) The commencement of an activity or plan.
Ballistic: (adj.) 1. To have no control over the aircraft due to it having insufficient speed. 2. To become extremely agitated about something.
Balls out, or Balls to the wall : (adj.) Extremely fast indeed. Meningy knots, Shit off a shiny shovel, Warp-factor snot
Balls to the wind : (adj.) 1. To expose oneself to danger in order to complete a task. 2. To travel very fast. Meningy knots, Shit off a shiny shovel, Warp-factor snot, Balls out, Balls to the wall
Balmy: (adj.) Comedically used to describe a cold day. Eg: its a ~ minus 2 degrees outside.
Banana: (n.) A generic unit of measurement.
Bang for your buck: (adj.) Used to describe the attributes of a relatively powerful weapon.
Bang off: (v.) To selectively jettison something from an aircraft.
Bang out: (v.) 1. To remove oneself from a locale. 2. Produce a piece of work. SID, Poke off, Do one, Foxtrot oscar, Depart the fix, Make like a…
Bang seat: (n.) Ejection Seat. Rocket-propelled deckchair, Yellow and black taxi, Martin Baker option, Exit via the sunroof
Bar/Beer O Clock*: (n.) The time at which a person thinks it is appropriate to consume alcohol.
Base command : (n.) One's wife. Dragon Ops, Long haired air marshall, Red air
Basically: (adj.) Term often used to start any explanation regardless of whether it is basic or extremely complex.
Basics: (excl.) Something elementary has been forgotten or neglected. Often used as a reprimand.
Bastardize: (v.) To adjust an existing plan or activity to suit your needs.
Batwing : (adj.) 67 wing sweep in a tornado aircraft.
Be better: (phr.) The lowest form of instructional technique offered by instructors to students when they have no idea how to improve the student's ability. cf. BTAC
Bead window : (adj.) This information is sensitive but I'm going to tell you anyway. Secret squirrel
Beak to beak: (adv.) A minimum separation pass between aircraft flying directly towards each other. 180 by zip cf. Snot locker
Beaking: (v.) Talking loudly. cf Chimping
Beano brief : (n.) A list of places or things to do that are not permitted. From the words 'be' and 'no'.
Bear shoulders*: (adj.) Used to describe the ability to be able to shoulder much blame or criticism. That's what chins are for
Beat up: (v.) To fly too close to something on the ground. Rinse out, Wax, Wire cf. Dust off
Because we can: (phr.) A reason for doing something enjoyable with an aircraft.
Beeps and squeaks: (n.) Term used by the uneducated to describe the action of electronic warfare, specifically jamming. Bells and whistles cf. Ones and noughts, White man's magic, Wiggly amps, Sky hooks, Bernouilis, Lift fairies.
Beer O Clock : (n.) The time at which alcohol is to be consumed.
Beer token/chit: (n.) Unit of local currency. Blat, Shekel, Spot, Spondoolies cf. Gibloons
Behind the drag curve: (sim.) In a position where successful completion of the task is unlikely. Behind the aircraft
Behoves: (inst.) Word used by those in seniority to compel you to do something by felling obliged to do it because of the very use of this word.
Bell up : (v.) To make initial RT contact with an agency. Eg: Lets ~ Leeming Approach. Chop (across) to, QSY
Bells and whistles: (n.) The external manifestation of advanced electronic or mechanical equipment. cf. Swept up, Gucci, Spangly
Belt and braces : (adj.) Every detail has been planned or accounted for.
Belt fed mortar: (adv.) Used to describe a woman who is particularly enthusiastic when engaging in sexual intercourse. She went like a ~.
Bernouillis: (n.) Term used by the uneducated to describe the origin of lift. Sky hooks, Lift fairies
Beyond 10 West : (adj.) Theoretical law that states: once one is beyond this line of longitude and therefore not in the vicinity of their partner or spouse they are allowed those to cheat on them. Detachment rules, Two tacan rule
BFOT*: (acron.) Big Fuck Off Tent.
BIC: (acron.) Boys In Confidence. Used to pre-empt the telling of a secret to ensure that it does not promulgate to others outside of the group being told.
Big boys' rules: (pl. n.) Conditions under which one is encouraged to take full responsibility for one's actions
Big metal tubes*: (adj.) Large aircraft. Usually high value assets. cf. Telegraph poles
Big picture: (adj.) The general situation. cf. Broad brush
Biggie: (adj.) Large problems or significant factors. Usually utilised in the negative. A shortened version of Big Deal. Eg: no ~ Great Shakes
Biggie: (adj.) A major factor that could effect things. From the phrase "No big deal". Eg: Don't worry that's not a ~.
Billy : (adj.) An amplifier of any word beginning with the letter b. Eg: ~ bonus, ~bollocks, ~big steps. Exception ~no mates.
Billy bollocks/bonus: (adj.) Very good. Excrement
Billy no mates: (n.) A person with little or no social standing in their peer group Cf. DTF
Bingo a particular item: (excl.) I have run out of item. Eg: I am ~beers.
Bitch: (n.) A designated slave performing a particular function. Eg: tea and coffee ~.
Bitching Betty: (n.) The synthetic woman's voice in terrain avoidance software that instructs a pilot to perform actions to avoid collision. Nagging Nora
Bite the bullet: (v.) To wholeheartedly accept the consequences of the current situation.
Bite you in the arse: (v.) A bad situation arising out of a factor being overlooked. cf. Basics
Black art: (adj.) A skill that is impossible to master, those that possess it seem to be born with it, it cannot be fully taught.
Black magic: (n.) Term used by the uneducated to describe the operation of avionics. White mans' magic, cf. Wiggly amps, Science occurs
Black...: (v.) To destroy or render useless for a non specific period of time. Eg: I ~ed the toilet. Cat 5
Blah: (n. v.) Term used to describe strings of words that hold no significance, or no interest, to the speaker. Eg: he was ~ing at me all night. Blurb
Blah Jet: (n.) Previous aircraft type (usually F4 Phantom). eg: He used to fly ~ out of Wildenrath.
Blasting out : (v.) Used to describe the act of taking off usually used in briefing of sorties.
Blat: (n.) A unit of the local currency Spot, Shekel, Beer token/chit, Spondoolies cf. Gibloons
Bleat: (v.) To complain about anything that the speaker thinks is not important justified. Sqinney, Blub
Blobbed up : (adj.) To be amalgamated with.
Bloggs: (n.) A generic term used by instructors to describe a student under instruction. Stude
Bloggsing : (v.) To deliberately perform a mistake when flying to test the vigilance of your team or crew. cf. Bloggs
Blower*: (n.) Afterburner. Carrots, Heaters,
Blub: (v.) To complain about anything that the speaker thinks is not important justified. Sqinney, Bleat
Blue blue day : (n.) Describes a day clear of cloud with good visibility. Ginners, Scorchio
Blue screen of death: (n.) A blank blue coloured screen that appears on a computer monitor when something has malfunctioned or the unit has been left unattended for a long time. This screen usually appears at the worst possible moment.
Blue suiter : (n.) A non-aircrew member of the Royal Air Force, who wears number 2 uniform on a regular basis. Bluntie
Blunch: (n.) From a combination of the words blunt and lunch. Formed by those of resentful ground branch (see Blunties) who are able to take their lunch at the same time every day, whereas aircrew seldom can. cf. Bluntie, PONTI
Bluntie: (n.) Any member of the Royal Air Force who is not aircrew. cf. Scribbley, PONTI, REMF
Blurb: (n.) Term used to describe strings of words that hold no significance, or no interest, to the speaker. Eg: Here is the ~ on flight safety. Blah
Bnag: (onomat.) Alternative word for people who are afraid or unwilling to say bang.
Bob Marleys: (n.) Electronic Warfare Training aircraft.
Bold underlined*: (adj.) Very important.
Bona: (n.) A harrier aircraft. Plastic pig, Flying tea trolley, Wozzle jet
Bonedome : (n.) Aircrew protective headgear. Lid
Bong: (v.) To infringe a safety margin, restriction, or pass below a cleared level. Eg: You are in trouble because you ~ed controlled airspace.
Bootleg: (v.) To bargain over the radio for an activity for which no formal activity has been made. Eg: Lets ~ Tain range. Chimp
BOTOT: (acron.) Bombs on target on time.
Bottom line: (n.) After everything else has been taken into consideration this is the most important fact. Usually used to describe at least 5 different facts. At the end of the day cf. NB
Brain fart: (n.) 1. When one is incapable of giving the correct answer to a problem 2. A completely inappropriate comment, reply or action. cf. Coggie
Bread and butter: (adj.) Term used to describe actions that are used so often that they are often considered the basic principles of the subject under discussion. Meat and two veg, Pain au beurre
Broad brush: (adj.) Generally encompassing. cf. Big Picture
Broken unreadable : (adj.) I did not understand what you just said. cf. Say again
Brown: (n.) Generic term foe bitter. cf. Yellow
Brrrt: (onomat.) A verbal simulation gunfire. Dakka-dakka-dakka
BTAC: (acron.) Be There and Cope. Used as a substitute when someone is incapable of giving useful instruction. cf. Be better
Bubble: (n.) A theoretical protected area around aircrew prior to flying into which no distractions should penetrate or else the bubble will be said to have burst resulting in possible degradation of performance.
Bubblising : (v.) The act of ignoring all other activity whilst planning for a flight. eg Don’t talk to me about that right now, I’m ~
Bucket of sunshine : (n.) A nuclear weapon. cf. Making Glass
Buckie fishwife : (n.) A woman (usually Scottish) with freer than average sexual morals
Buggeration factor : (v.) A factor that acts as a hindrance to completing a task.
Bugle up: (v.) To make initial RT contact with an agency. Eg: Lets ~ Leeming Approach. Bell up
Build a shed: (v.) To become extremely inebriated. Shedded, Get a shed on
Bullshit flags*: (n.) A pretend flag that could be pretend raised to indicate that someone has delivered incorrect information.
Bum/Good steer: (adj.) Bad/good advice.
Bumboozle: (v.) To confuse the audience usually with over complicated unnecessary facts and figures.
bumf / bum fodder : (n.) any official paperwork (early RAF)
Burning holes in the sky*: (v.) Flying in the same piece of airspace for a long period of time.
Burst transmission: (excl.) Please repeat your last statement at a slower pace, as you were speaking too quickly for me to understand you. cf. Say again
Bzzz: (excl.) Used to signal disinterest or irrelevance of the current topic of discussion. May be accompanied by annoying finger gesture.
Cab: (n.) A helicopter. Hydraulic palm tree
CAG: (n.) An informal meeting to discuss work related topics.
Cake and arse party: (n.) An activity in which none of the participants recognise a purpose. Dick dance, Rolling goat cf. Practice bleed
Canapé*: (n.) Used for comedy effect in place of the word canopy. Eg: I'm ready for the ~ to come down.
Canned: (v. adj.) 1. v. To be cancelled. 2. adj. Set up for demonstration purposes. Fall off, Scrubbed
Cannon fodder: (n.) A member of the non commissioned ranks of the RAF regiment or the army. A foot soldier. Grunt
Cans: (pl. n.) Carriers Bomb Light Stores (CBLSs) Cobblers
Capacity seat : (n.) The seat in which the instructor sits and can criticise all weaknesses and mistakes because they are not flying the aircraft and being assessed.
Captured: (stat.) This is said when the speaker is visually aware of the subject of the conversation, usually a good looking female. From laser guided bomb terminology meaning that the person marking the target is sure that what he is marking is correct. Eg: Do you see that good looking woman in the black dress? Yes ~. cf. Track while scan
Carbon-based life form: (n.) A dehumanising method of referring to the recipients of weapons effects, used in order to shield the user's conscience from the unpalatable truth. cf Meat bomb
Carrots: (pl. n.) Lit afterburners. Cookers, Heaters
Carry the can: (v.) Take responsibility for. Hold the hammer cf. Honcho
CAT 18: (adj.) A very attractive woman. From the days of Reconnaissance categories of different sets of items.
Cat 5: (v.) To damage something to an irreparable extent. Often used to describe toilets after an unpleasant bowel movement.
CBAS: (abbr.) Can't be Arsed Syndrome.
Center the dot: (stat.) Follow the steering; usually blindly and often with out thinking.
cf Dunk : ()
Chaff: (excl.) Warning to others that wind has been passed. Depressurisation
chaff-head: (n.) A person whose hair has turned almost entirely grey, and therefore resembles the metal threads deployed to fool radars.
Chaffe: (n.) Used to describe an activity that is not enjoyed usually because it is seen as irrelevant or too time consuming. Nause, Ball ache
Change cassette: (v.) Be aware that the discipline into which you are moving requires a different set of skills. Get (something) hat on
Chank: (n.) An intentionally vague combination of 'Chill' and 'Wank'.
Channelisation: (n.) The set of frequencies programmed into a radio’s preset studs. eg I didn’t hear you at check in, did you check your ~? Studs
Chap: (n.) Term of address generally used by individuals unable or unwilling to remember a person's name. Fella
Chariot: (n.) One's bed. From: Wank ~. Pit, Scratcher
Charioteer: (n.) A member of the Tornado F3 Aircrew Fraternity. F3 mate cf. Fag chariot
Charlie : (n.) A bottle of Carlsberg lager, used exclusively in Cyprus Brown, Yellow
chateau (station or squadron name): (phr.) The squirty bottle of alcoholic solvent used to wipe off writing made with permanent marker.
Chattham House rules: (adj.) Term used to indicate that whatt follows is sensitive information that shouldn't really be discussed but somehow this phrase unofficially allows the discussion. Bead window
Cheat sheet : (n.) A piece of paper with all the answers to the questions on it. cf. Gizza
Check six: (v.) Look behind you.
Check the actual*: (v.) A term derived from meteorological terminology used to describe the action of going outside to smoke tobacco products.
Cheese-eating surrender monkey: (n.) A French person. cf Cloggie, Spam, Septic.
Chew the fat: (v.) To have an informal conversation.
Chill herbs: (v.) Decrease one's state of readiness for the near future. …and relax, Hang slack
Chill your beans : (v.) Decrease one's state of readiness for the near future. And relax, Hang slack, Chill herbs, cf. Standby to standby
Chimp: (v. n.) 1. To bargain over the radio for an activity for which no formal application has been made. 2. A person of low standing in aircrew society. Bootleg
Chin it off: (v.) Dispense with something, as it is considered to not be sufficiently important. Gaff off, Kiss off
Chisel : (v.) To influence others who are in a position of relative authority in order to get what one wants. Eg: I managed to ~ my way onto the program.
Chocolate laser live : (adj.) A medical condition that involves diarrhoea .
Chocolate teapot/fireguard: (n.) Something totally useless.
Chop (across) to: (v.) To change frequency. cf. Bell up, Get on the blower to, QSY
Chop along: (v.) To hurry up.
Christmas tree: (n.) A central warning panel in an aircraft that has many lit warning cations on it.
Chucks & Ducks*: (n.) Ex soviet air to air missile fit, specifically AA10C and AA10D variants. cf. Telegraph poles
Chuffing: (adv.) Used in place of the expletive fucking to amplify something. Kin
CinC home command : (n.) One's spouse. Dragon ops, M.R.S, Red Air, Long haired air marshall
Civvy street*: (n.) Civilian life and rules.
Civvy*: (n.) A civilian.
Clag and shit : (n.) Very bad weather. Shit and corruption, Shit and derision
Clampers: (adj.) Poor weather. Doggers cf. Blue blue day
Clap hands: (v.) To have an airborne collision. cf. Aluminium death cloud
Clatter of bits: (n.) A disorganised terrible mess. Eg: Its turned into a ~. Tits up, Ball of chalk, Mare, Rolling goat, Cluster fuck, Bag of bits, Tits high
Cleared Off: (v.) Authorised to depart the place of work. Stack
Cleared solo: (v.) To be allowed to operate a piece of equipment without supervision or instruction from others. Often used as an excuse for failure to operate computers or overhead projectors. Eg: I'm not ~ on this OHP!
Climb up and level at 2ft 6*: (v.) To go to ones bed.
Cloggie : (n.) A Dutch person cf. Noggie
Cloggie: (n.) A flying Dutchman (sic). cf Spam, Septic
Close of play (COP): (n.) The end of the working day.
Cluster fuck: (sim.) A disorganised terrible mess. Tits up, Clatter of bits, Ball of chalk, Mare, Rolling goat
Cobblers: (pl. n.) Carriers Bomb Light Stores (CBLSs). Cans
Coggie: (n.) Mistake made due to the incorrect action of pseudo-subconscious brain functions. From cognitive error. cf. Brain fart
Collect: (v.) Action of flying an aircraft into another. cf. Collect
Colonel: (n. rhym slang) The Navy, Army & Airforce Institution, or local on base (SPAR) shop. From ~Gaddafi
Combat egg*: (n.) The shape described by a surface of constant energy required by an aircraft to remain at a certain level of g force. It is shaped like an egg due to the normal acceleration of the earths gravity which gives an extra 1g in the vertical. God's G
Combat kip*: (n.) A short period of sleep taken on an opportunity basis. cf. Simulated
Combat pyjamas*: (n.) An aircrew flying overall. cf. Combat slipper
Combat slipper*: (n.) An aircrew boot. cf. Combat pyjamas
Combat z's: (n.) A miraculously reviving quick nap.
Come on to the radar: (v.) To come to the attention of the person speaking, specifically to be of some importance as well. cf. In the frame
Coming down the hill*: (v.) In a descent. cf. Tent peg
Coming out of our arseholes: (phr.) An excess of something. Up the ying yang
Commit aviation: (v.) To go flying.
Cone Head: (n.) Derogatory term used to describe someone that doesn't know very much. Usually a student. eg "i'll get a ~ to do your trivial jobs for you"
Container*: (US. n. synon.) Used by US Air Force in place of the word box (the saying of which is a self imposed social taboo). cf. Skulling, Cranium
Contra rotating death banana: (n.) A Chinook helicopter. cf. Cab, Hydraulic palm tree
Cookers: (n.) Afterburners. Carrots, Heaters
Cool and the gang : (stat.) I am pleased with the current situation. Cool for cats, Top banana
Cool as tits : (phr.) Something that is extremely good. Cool and the gang, Cool for cats, Top Banana
Cool for cats : (stat.) I am pleased with the current situation. Cool and the gang, Top banana
Copied: (R.T.) I have understood what you have said. Roger
Covered off: (adv.) Something adequately organized. Get shit in a pile, Get shit in a sock, Squared away
Crack: (v.) To achieve. Eg: I don't think you will ~ that turn.
Crack: (v.) To open anything. Eg: ~ the canopy.
Crack of: (adj.) A small amount of something. Eg: ~power. Smidge
Crack of a sparrow's (fart): (phr.) Extremely early in the morning. Dark o'clock, Stupid o'clock, O-dark hundred, O-four fuck's sake, O-silly hundred, Early doors
Crack on: (v.) Start or continue a particular activity. Press on
Crackers : (n.) 1. A 1000lb bomb. 2. Igniters in a jet engine.
Cranium aspect*: (US. n. synon.) Used by the US Air Force in place of the word heading because heading contains the word head, the saying of which is a self imposed social taboo. Skulling cf. Cranium, Container
Cranium*: (US. synon.) Used by US Air Force in place of the word head (the saying of which is a self imposed social taboo). cf. Cranium aspect, Container, Skulling
Crank it round: (v.) To obtain maximum angular rate of change when turning. Hoik/Hoyk
Crantanamo Bay: (stat.) Alternative name to RAF Cranwell. Cranditz
Crap out: (v.) To be the loser in a specific situation or end up with the unfavorable option.
Crash Comic: (n.) A crash investigation report.
Crash div: (n.) A very ugly member of the opposite sex used as a reserve if one does not manage to successfully win the affection of a better looking one.
Crinkle : (adj.) Description of someone who has become obviously angry or upset. Usually used to provoke further anger. May be accompanied by annoying hand gesture.
Crock of hoop/shit*: (adj.) Something that massively displeases the speaker.
Crump*: (adj.) 1. A sudden spate of unserviceable aircraft. 2. A particularly heavy landing.
Crunch*: (v.) To perform a calculation.. cf. Maths in public
Cuff it: (v.) Rely on one's instinctive knowledge to complete a task. Wing it
Cummerbunds & waistcoats: (sim.) It makes no difference which you choose because they will both yield the same result. Six of one, Swings and roundabouts, Six and two threes
Cumulo-granitus: (n.) The ground esp. when obscured by cloud. It has a PK=1
Cut to the chase: (v.) To stop verbalising, and highlight the facts immediately pertinent to the situation.
Daily drama: (n.) The emergency discussed each morning at the squadron meteorological briefing. Snag of the day
Dakka-dakka-dakka: (onomat.) A verbal simulation of the sound of gunfire. Brrrt
Dangle the dunlops : (v.) Lower the Undercarriage Dirty up
Dark blue looker : (n.) A Royal Navy Aircrew Observer. Talking ballast
Dark o'clock: (n.) Very early in the morning. Crack of a sparrow's, Stupid o'clock, O-dark hundred, O-four fuck's sake, O-silly hundred, Early doors
DCO/DNCO: (abbr. n.) Used to describe the outcome of a liaison with a member of the opposite sex - Duty (Not) Carried Out. In hot/Off Dry
Dead sparrows : (n.) The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team
Deal yourself/myself in: (stat.) Feel free to expend as much effort as you like partaking in the activity we have been discussing. Fill yer boots
Dealing out the cards*: (US. v.) Allocation of resources.
Decrement: (v.) Reduce quantity. From stores management terminology.
Deep joy: (stat.) Used ironically to show ones distaste at the current situation.
Deep-throat the cock of death: (v.) Do something that one is extremely unwilling to do. Suck the hind tit
Deferred success*: (adj.) A failure. cf. Off spec
Departing the fix: (v.) Leaving somewhere. Make like a…, Foxtrot oscar, SID, Bang out, Poke off, Do one
Depressurisation*: (v.) Warning to others that passing of wind has occurred. Chaff
Detachment rules: (n.) A theoretical set of rules that allow those not in the vicinity of their partner or spouse to cheat on them. What goes on tour stays on tour, Beyond 10 west, The two tacan rule
Detailed: (v.) To assign someone a task. Eg: I ~ Tom to fix that.
Dick dance: (n. v.) 1. n. An activity in which none of the participants recognise a purpose. 2. v. To precariously weave through an area of restricted airspace or weather. Cake and arse party, Nikky nakky noo
Die in a ditch: (v.) The course of action under discussion does not cause me to become very upset or agitated. Eg: I'm not going to ~ about it. cf. Get a hardon.
Dim: (Welsh) No or none. Often used in conjunction with Welshish. Eg: ~snaggio.
Dink : (onomat.) Verbal simulation of selection of something (normally a nav mode or height sensor). cf. Dnnk, Thunk
Dink: (v.) To lightly tap. Dunk, Thunk
Directional consultant : (n.) Navigator
Dirty up: (v.) To configure an aircraft for landing.
Disregard: (RT.) A blunt way of saying: please ignore my last statement. cf. Send, Say again
Dnnk: (onomat.) A verbal simulation of weapons release. Thunk, Brrrt, Dakka-dakka-dakka
Do one: (v.) To leave a locale. Bang out, Foxtrot oscar, SID … out of here, Make like a, depart the fix, Poke off
Dobi: (pl. n.) One's dirty laundry cf. Dobi dust
Dobi dust: (n.) Washing powder. cf. Dobi
Dog's knob/bollocks: (adj.) Something very obvious which inexorably attracts the attention. Stone bonker cf. Nebby
Doing a Mexican hat*: (v.) Flying in circles around the same point.
Dommers: (n.) A domestics card for a formation of aircraft.
Dommers / Doms chit*: (n.) A piece of paper containing all the domestic aspect of a sortie.
Done & dusted: (adj.) Finished. cf. Put this one to bed
Done to death: (v.) The subject being discussed has now been discussed in every way imaginable and there is nothing further to add. To the nth degree
Donk: (n.) Propulsion system.
Donkey's dick: (n.) 1. Any coastal prominence. 2. A boom-drogue adapter assembly.
Doors check: (n.) Extremely low flypast the tower at the end of a range detail (still used even though none of our bombers have bomb bay doors any more)
Dope on a Rope: (n.) Term for the RAF SAR winchman Wire Straightener
Down in the weeds: (adj.) At low level. Weedysphere
down the hill: (adv.) In a dive.
Download met: (v.) Attend a meteorological briefing.
Downwind of: (v.) To have progressed past or completed something. Eg: I'm downwind of the range phase.
Dragon ops: (n.) One's wife. CinC home command, M.R.S.
Draw a line under: (v.) To emphasise that something has been brought to a satisfactory conclusion and need no longer be discussed. cf. Put this one to bed
Drink on the met: (v.) To be sure that the meteorological forecast for the next day is so bad that one will not be flying and therefore not obey the drinking consumption and time limit rules pertaining to safe aviation. Met roulette
Drinking straw : (n.) Term describing a very narrow field of view of a sensor on an aircraft, often applied to the Thermal Imaging and Laser Designation Pod. Eg: It's difficult to acquire a target when you are looking down the ~.
Dripathon: (adj.) A very long slow empartment of information with nearly no respite.
Drop a (...) off at the pool: (v.) A way of saying that one is about to defecate. One inserts the trade the they most despise at the end of the phrase. Eg: I'm off to ~ admin'er ~. Give birth to a (...)
Drop agent orange: (v.) To pass wind in a crowded public place. cf. Chaff
Dropping a paveway 6*: (v.) To defecate. Reduce the boarding mass, dump down to landing weight, increase the gliding range, A BITE and download
Dry your eyes: (phr.) Used to silence someone with problems when sympathy is not available or suitable to be dispensed. Man up, Get some hair on your arse, Zip in a spine
DTE: (acron.) Ditch the execs. An order to the effect that the current activities are to proceed without the presence of the squadron's senior officers present. cf. DTF
DTF : (acron. v.) Ditch The Fucker. The act of evading spending social time with someone you dislike.
Ducks in a row: (phr.) To be thinking well in advance of the current situation - for air and ground use Ahead of the aircraft
Duff: (adj.) Incorrect. Usually used in conjunction with Gen.
Dump down to landing weight: (v.) To defecate. Reduce the boarding mass, A BITE and download, Increase the gliding range, Drop a paveway 6
Durka-Durka-stan: (n.) Anywhere in the Middle East Sandpit, Hot and sandy place
Dust off: (v.) To fly too close to another aircraft cf. Wax, Beat up
Dutch helicopter: (n.) A windmill.
Duty grown up: (n.) The immediate supervisor of the current activity who is responsible for it.
Early doors: (n.) 1. Very early in the morning. 2. At a much earlier time than expected. Dark o'clock, Crack of a sparrow's, Stupid o'clock, O-dark hundred, O-four fuck's sake, O-silly hundred
Ease springs: (v.) To urinate. cf. Reduce the boarding mass
Economy of effort : (adj.) Term taken from air power doctrine and used as an excuse for getting a pass mark just above the required percentage in an exam. cf. Aircrew A, A kill is a kill
Egg: () Short form of the phrase "teach to suck eggs" apllied to information to indicate that it may be obvious to the person being told it. Eg: This is probably ~ but... Suck eggs
Egg: (n.) Elementary knowledge. From sucking eggs. Sucking eggs, Egg sucking exercise
Egyptian PT*: (v.) The act of sleeping.
Electric hat: (n.) A flying helmet. Bone dome, Lid
Emergency banter: (n.) Light-hearted parlance of an offensive nature used defensively when no witty comments can be thought of. Eg: Fuck off; Your mum. cf. Rev
End of: (adj.) This topic of the conversation is over, nothing you say to me about it will be acknowledged from now on. cf. Endex
Endex: (n.) Finish. Knock it on the head cf. End of
Engineering tap: (adv.) A blow administered to a piece of faulty equipment as a quick solution. cf. Aircrew reset/recycle
Erg: (n.) A generic unit of power. Usually refers to propulsion. cf. Bernoullis, Wiggly amps
Essential bus*: (n.) The last bus to town after happy hour. Shed bus
Excrement!: (stat.) A word used in jest as a substitute for the word excellent. Billy bonus/bollocks
Execery: (adv.) A collection of a squadron's flight commanders, executive officers and boss. cf. Head honcho, Top of the shop
Exemplar: (n.) An example.
Exit via the sunroof*: (v.) To eject. Bang seat, Rocket-propelled deckchair, Yellow and black taxi, Martin Baker Option
Exploding Chair: (n.) Ejector Seat
Eye snatcher*: (n.) An optician cf. Fang snatcher
Eyes on: (v.) To visually acquire something. Tally
F1 (something)*: (adj.) The best possible (something). A flawless version of (something). Eg: That was an ~ sortie plan.
Face-time: (phr.) Non productive time spent on the Sqn to impress superior officers
FACIT*: (acron.) Fuck about call it training.
Faff: (n. v.) 1. n. Unnecessary and possibly distracting things. 2. v. Waste time on activities not pertinent to the task in hand.
Fag chariot: (n.) A Tornado F3 aircraft. cf. Charioteer
Fall off: (v.) To be cancelled. Canned, Scrubbed cf. Slip to the right
Fandango*: (adj.) Highly intricate and complicated.
Fang snatcher*: (n.) A dentist. cf. Eye snatcher
Fast ball: (n.) A problem of which one has received little or no prior notification.
Fat Albert : (n.) Lockheed C130 Hercules
Fat finger: (v.) To type. Eg: You need to ~ that into the computer.
FAUTMOB: (acron.) Fuck All Use To Man or Beast. Something which is useless.
Feds: (n.) The military police Rozzers
Feet wet/dry: (adj.) To be directly overhead water or land.
Fella: (n.) Term of address generally used by individuals unable or unwilling to remember a person's name. Mate, Chap
Fess up: (v.) Own up to a mistake.
Fettle: (v.) Manipulate figures or navigational waypoints to improve a solution. Ackle, Fudge, Frig
Fightergator: (n.) A weapons systems operator.
File bravo one November*: (n.) The bin.
Fill your boots: (phr.) Feel free to expend as much effort as you like partaking in the activity we have been discussing. cf. Crack on
Finals to: (adj.) Approaching the terminal stages of something. cf. Vinegar strokes
Fine pitch: (adv.) Haste. Eg: We left there in ~.
Finesse: (v.) To adjust something to make it work better. Frig, Fudge, Fettle
Finger faff: (adv.) The act of not achieving the aim through incorrect pressing of buttons due to confusion. Eg: Sorry i was on the wrong frequency, I had a ~ cf. Fat finger
Fire it up the chain: (v.) To present an idea or comment to higher echelons of command.
Firewall: (v.) The position that you push the throttles to when you are late. Balls to the wall cf. Meningyknots, Warp factor snot, Shit off a shiny shovel
Five/Ten/ Twenty spot: (n.) A note of the local currency. cf. Blat, Shekel, Beer token/chit
FJC*: (acron. n.) Fast Jet Cock. Used in a self complimentary way to indicate that women are attracted to fast jet aircrew, Eg: You can tell she wants some ~.
Flag up: (v.) Draw attention to an error or omission.
Flapping: (v.) To be visibly and audibly distressed by something. cf. Faff, Rolling goat
Flare/Chaff it off: (v.) To get rid of something, particularly an onerous task. Eg: He asked me to check all last years stats but i managed to ~ Chin off, Gaff off
Flash to bang time: (n.) The amount of time between the instigation of an action and its consequences, esp. relating to bad news, and ensuing anger.
Flash up: (v.) 1. Display on a computer screen. 2. Get aggressively irate.
Flex: (n.) An ability to reallocate resources should a change of circumstances demand it. eg: have we got the ~ to go to the range?
Flexible feast: (adj.) A plan that could result in many varied ways of achieving the aims.
Flick spin die/depart: (v.) A quick sucession of catastropic events leading to death or serious injury.
Flight level Moon: (n.) Very high indeed. Flight level Nose bleed
Flight level nosebleed: (n.) A very high altitude.
Flight safety video/publication: (n.) Pornographic video/magazine.
Flip Flop : (v.) To change. Eg: We'll just keep ~ing between frequencies.
Floating around in the ether*: (adj.) Travelling at a random speed and height close to low level heights but not tactical.
Flugeling: (v.) Deutchlish word for flying.
Fly it up the flag pole (And see who salutes it): (v.) To initiate the early stages of a plan and gauge the reaction of those associated with it. Press to test
Flying prevention branch: (n.) The medical branch.
Flying tea trolley: (n.) A harrier aircraft. Plastic pig, Wozzle jet, Bona
Foot stamper: (unknown) Something that may catch you out or disrupt your plan. Gotcha cf. Showstopper
For cash: (adv.) Approximately. Eg; That's 3 miles ~. cf good enough for government work
For my money: (phr.) In my opinion.
For real aye: (phr.) In reality. Said in the accent of Ali G.
For shits and giggles/grins: (adj.) For no other reason than it's providing amusement.
For you the war is over: (v.) Decrease one's state of readiness for the foreseeable future. …and relax, Hang slack, Chill herbs
Foxtrot oscar: (v. phon.) To remove oneself from the locale. cf. SID, Depart the fix, Do one, Bang out, Poke off, Make like a…
Frag: (v.) 1. To allocate someone or something to a task 2. To seriously damage something or someone.
Frat: (v.) To kill your friend in air combat.
Frig: (v.) To adjust something instinctively to make it work in reality. Ackle, Fettle, Fudge
Frig/fudge-factor: (n.) An improvised factor to apply to a set of figures to achieve a better-looking solution. Ackle, Fettle
From that side (of the house): (phr.) Concerning one of the factors of the topic we are discussing.
From the (something) side : (stat.) Concerning one of the factors of the (something) we are discussing. From that side
From the get go: (adj.) From the very beginning. From the word go
From the word go: (adj.) From the very beginning. From the get go
Fuck me readers/sideways/backwards: (excl.) Indicates shock at a revelation or situation. Usually sarcastic. (From Viz's Roger Mellie) Shitty death
Fuck Me Shoot Me Block: (n.) To be at a poor altitude, neither too high nor too low to avoid engagement.
Fuck off in Fine Pitch: (unknown) Turbo prop expression meaning to leave a situation or location as quickly as possible. Maxi-Chat, Balls to the Wall
Fuck off to gaurd: (v.) Phrase used in formation briefing to help remember that the signal to go to the UHF distress frequency is two fingers pointing upwards.
Fuck this for a game of soldiers : (stat.) I am no longer prepared to devote any attention to the current activity because I have lost interest or disapprove of it.
Fuck-Arsing: (v.) Wasting time. Faffing.
Fudge: (v.) To adjust something instinctively to make it work in reality. Ackle, Fettle, Frig
Fuel bitches : (pl. n.) Least capable ac in a combined air operation package from a fuel point of view, around which most of the sortie planning has to be done Weak sisters
Fur ball: (n.) An area where intense air combat is taking place. cf. Knife fight in a phonebox
G-Limited: (phr.) Used when choosing a curry from a restaurant menu as an excuse not to have a particularly hot one as this may cause problems when flying under increased g-force.
GAFA: (acron.) Great Arabian Fuck All
GAFA: (acron.) Greater Arabian Fuck All - Large area of featureless desert that constitutes most of the Middle East
Gaff : (n.) One's place of residence.
Gaff off: (v.) Ignore. Kiss off, Chin off
Game face*: (adj.) Used to describe an operational frame of mind that one must be in in order to execute a task with maximum professionalism.
Gashing: (v.) To perform an act with little care or precision in order to reach a barely acceptable solution. Good enough for government work, TLAR
Gassing : (v.) Speaking
Gats & blats*: (n.) Weapons and ammunition drawn from the station amoury. cf. Pea shooter
Gen: (n.) Knowledge of a subject. Gouge
Gen dit (6 clips / 12 clips): (n.) Definitely correct information. Pukka gen
General Yamsing / Yamamoto: (n.) Theoretical person to which a toast is made before compulsory drinking of entire drink in one go. Yam
Gentlemen's height*: (adj.) Very low. In the weedyshpere
Gentlemen's speed*: (adj.) Very fast. Warp factor snot, Meningy knots, Shit off a shiny shovel, At the speed of a thousand gazellesc
Gentlemen's*: (n.) Use of afterburner. Eg: Just using a bit of ~ to get the speed up. Carrots, Heaters, Toasters, Cookers
George*: (n.) An aircraft's autopilot.
Get a handle on: (v.) Gain control of the situation. Grip it
Get a hard on about something: (v.) Become mildly agitated or concerned about something.
Get a shed on: (v.) To become extremely inebriated. Shedded, Build a shed
Get ahead of the game: (v.) Act in a pre-emptive manner to put oneself at an advantage. Lead turn
Get bunched: (v.) To become worried or worked up about something.
Get in my/your chilli: (phr.) To unneccessarily interfere with somebodys plan, usually without all the information. "Long Screwdriver"
Get into groove*: (v.) To become accustomed with the best way of operating.
Get involved: (v.) To fully immerse oneself in the accomplishment of a task. Get stuck in
Get on the blower to: (v.) To make radio contact with. Eg: ~ Lossiemouth Approach. Bell up
Get one's … hat on: (v.) Be aware that the discipline into which you are moving requires a different set of skills. Eg: Get your Instrument Flying hat on. Change cassette
Get shit in a pile: (n.) Something adequately organised. Squared away, Shit in one sock
Get shit in one sock : (n.) Something adequately organised. Squared away, Shit in a pile
Get smash on: (v.) Significantly increase speed. Get the coals on
Get some hair on your arse*: (ordrer) Adopt an emotionless macho attitude and conceal any worries or weaknesses. Man up, Dry your eyes, Zip in a spine
Get stuck in: (v.) To fully immerse oneself in the accomplishment of a task. Get involved, cf. Get the ball rolling, crack on
Get the ball rolling: (v.) To commence an activity. Get the show on the road cf. Crack on
Get the coals on: (v.) Significantly increase speed. Get smash on
Get the hell out of dodge: (v.) To depart a place of danger or displeasing things. cf. Bang out, Foxtrot oscar
Get the show on the road: (v.) To commence an activity. Get the ball rolling cf. Crack on
Get to it: (inst.) Normally used at the end of a brief to signal it's termination and to motivate those being briefed to commence the task that has been explained.
Get with the program: (phr.) You need to realign yourself to the course of action which I believe to be correct.
Get your life together: (v.) To adequately organise your affairs.
Get your name on the wall : (v.) To be better than average at something.
GFI : (acron.) Describes someone who is in desperate need of sexual intercourse. Gagging For It.
Gibloons: (n.) The currency in Gibralta. cf. Spot, Shekel, Beer token/chit, Blat
Gimlet: (n.) A small boring tool
Gin Clear: (adj.) A day of excellent visibility. cf. Ginners
Gingers: (rhym. slang.) Engineers.
Ginners : (adj.) A period of excellent weather. Blue blue day, Scorchio cf. Gin clear
Give a good listening to: (phr.) The act of being bollocked
Give birth to a (....): (v.) A way of saying that one is about to defecate. One inserts the trade the they most despise at the end of the phrase. Eg: I'm off to ~ admin'er. Drop a (...) off at the pool
Gizza : (n.) A piece of paper containing summarised useful information. Often never ever used except to fill aircrew kneepads. cf. Cheat sheet
Gnat's cock: (n.) An infinitesimally small amount.
Go ahead: (phr.) I give you my permission to start talking. cf. Send, Ready to copy
Go green: (v.) Become quiet or silent.
Go juice: (n.) Fuel.
Go to it: (inst.) Continue or commence the task that you have just been briefed about. cf. Crack on
Goat: (n.) An imaginary factor which, when unleashed, causes a situation to deteriorate rapidly. cf. Rolling goat
God's G : (n.) The normal acceleration of the earths gravity which can be utilised when at the top of a vertical manoeuvre during air combat. Combat egg cf. Furball
Gods infra red counter measure : (n.) The sun.
Golden: (adj.) To be without blame.
Good Drills: (phr.) To show ones approval of actions, often meant in a slightly patronising manor. Good Skills
Good enough for govt work: (phr.) Used to justify not applying any more effort to