Posted on Jul 19, 2017
Do military "nicknames" from civilians bother you?
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An American Legion friend of mine gets very upset when a non-vet civilian refers to a veteran by a service nickname, i.e. swabbie, squid, grunt, weekend warrior, puddle-jumper, fly-boy, etc. He tells them in no uncertain terms they have not earned the right to call veterans or service members anything but what they are. That the nicknames are a sign of military comradeship among the services.
Vietnam War
Military service
Civilians
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 44
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CPO Atwell Suman
Even "dink" isn't bad if it's deserved. Kinda makes you want to finish quals. I've been there.
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Wouldn't bother me at all if it was good natured. Tone and context do matter though, and also how well they know you. If it's delivered in a derogatory manner and/or from someone I barely know, I'd probably try to find out what triggered it and go from there. If he had a habit of doing it with everyone then just chalk him up as the village idiot and move on. But, if it's personal in nature and often, I'd politely tell him to knock it off and move on. If he persists, then it's an intentional effort to push your buttons so just stay away from him. Not worth an assault charge. If alcohol is involved, immediately move on because we know where that usually ends up. The only things that would bother me are anything that questions my character of service, shows disrespect for the uniform or questions my loyalty to family and the USA. Depending on how well they know you, it may be partially out of admiration or their attempt to acknowledge your service. Since they haven't served they don't know how we are wired, and may see it as their way of showing respect. Sort of: "I didn't serve but am proud of you that you did, Jarhead". I don't look down on non-Vets by default either, because I don't know their life story and it's not for everyone. I've known plenty who never served that I'd want on my flank any day.
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PO2 Richard C.
I think your comment really looks at and addresses the question from pretty much all angles. Realistically, anyone who doesn't consider the situation in the context of the environment they're in at the time can escalate the encounter into something that wasn't intended. Most of us can recognize when someone is pushing our buttons intentionally. We don't need to rip our shirts open and show them the rest of them. Thanks for a great response.
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There is always a feeling you have when someone who has not done as much tries to take the liberties associated with those who have.
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PO2 Richard C.
Agreed. Not an issue unless/until it starts to go really overboard. Then some response might be forthcoming to help them see the error of their ways.
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I feel it's better they call me a Navy Veteran or Service member. I'd prefer Veterans or Service members call each other inter service rivalry/commorodity nicknames. For myself, It is more suitable when the titles are earned. Adding, that it is a bit awkward as SSG Carlos Madden stated. But not Butt hurt either.
Thanks PO2 Richard C. From a Squid.
Thanks PO2 Richard C. From a Squid.
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PO2 Richard C.
Kind of a common theme that it's not much of an issue from other vets and kind of okay if done with no ill intent from a civilian, just feels awkward. Good to hear from an Airdale - one squid to another.
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Not even a little bit. Some people need to take off their diva pumps and get over themselves...
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PO2 Richard C.
My buddy's a little strange at times, but not THAT strange. Given his experiences, I'd have to say he's earned the right to be a little touchy about things. I do have to admit - he can be a bit much to be around sometimes.
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I don't think it would bother me, but it's never happened to me. But your friend sort of has a point. Terms of endearment between fellow servicemembers should remain that way. I just don't think it's enough to get upset over.
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PO2 Richard C.
PO3 Bob McCord - And the number of beers definitely has a negative impact on the ability to think fast.
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PO2 Richard C.
Sgt Steven Thomas - If she's even a little like my wife, half of them aren't suited for public expression.
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SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth
Sgt Steven Thomas - my wife tells me not to patronize her, that just gets her dander up. I like living life on the edge.
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Like my daddy used to say, evaluate the source. My personal favorite is if you don't sign my paycheck or wake up on the pillow next to me your opinion doesn't matter. No I simply ignore most comments.
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So long as the check keeps hitting my account on the 1st of every month, what those, who foot the bill, call me means little.
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PO2 Richard C.
I generally agree. I have walked away from a job where the pay and benefits were good, but the boss was a certified nut job. The Dept. of Education for the State eventually pulled his certification as an Administrator for "personnel reasons". The school district lost a half dozen lawsuits for unfair termination and hostile work environment in less than 2 years. I was one of them.
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