Do you find the term "butter bar" offensive or demeaning?

Only Marines can call another Marine a warhead. As for butter bar that is an army term. We just called them shavetails.

How offensive. I am so triggered by this vulgar term. I am going to take my pacifier and hide with my safety pin until everyone in the whole world apologizes to every person who has ever worn a butter bar...uh, O-1 insignia of rank. Today's wusses that believe they are entitled to unearned respect should seek instant gratification in another line of work, like asking if fries are wanted with that order.

As with all “terms of endearment” the context and speaker’s intent are key to determining appropriate oreaction. If you use it with derision and intend to slight those to whom you refer, it should be offensive. We are a culture that give good-natured shit as a tradition. We also are populated with over-inflated egos about who is better than who. If u are a squared-away sailor, marine or soldier and u actively seek to train and season your junior officers and newbie shipmate , then you will likely not use those terms with insult as a context. if one has a chip on yer shoulder because someone else’s military rank/assignment/seniority/MOS/etc. is different than yours, you will be likely to show that unprofessional side in your vocabulary. Tease but don’t disrespect. Rib but don’t hate. Honor service but don’t presume to judge the intent or value of other’s service. It’s all honorable til proven otherwise. would you let the 17-yr old commissary bagger insult your platoon leader as a “Butterbar?” Hope not. Would you call the Bethesda orpsman who is changing your buddy’s IV a POG or a REMF? Hope not. Yes as a Marine (whatever MOS) can call his Coast Guard brother a “shallow water sailor.” But he better not believe he’s better person or servicemember. Context and respect determine meaning. Insult (like money) should not be taken when none is offered.

When was in USAF, I used to hear it thrown around, usually by jr.EM, derisively. I let it roll off. When, I was in USN, the sailors knew better to disrespect you to your face. (What they said out of earshot was probably similar, if not worse!!!) (smile)

for someone who worked in an MOS (05G) where we were called Buddy Fkrs, I don't think such a term should be offensive. Take pride in the fact that you are a butter bar and better things are in the future.

Is “RailroadTracks” disrespectful to a CPT? How about “2 Star” to a MG?

I find it fitting.

Butter bar is better than being called a pecker checker all the time. Seriously though, if names offend you then you're in the wrong business.

Like most things it depends who is saying it, and why. If it is good natured and in an appropriate situation it is fine. If it is said in a way and situation that undermines his/her authority then it is inappropriate!

In my experience bosses only get offended because they want to. Frankly, no one cares if you call them by their first name, but they all think that people will get mad if they don't use the correct term.