Posted on Jun 10, 2017
Do you find the term "butter bar" offensive or demeaning?
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As a newly minted O-1 I have no problem with the term, but some of my fellow ENS/LTs have been scolded for using it. I never considered the term a pejorative when I was enlisted and I still don't now that I'm on the officer side. I always thought it was sort of a rite of passage that goes along with being a new Officer. Am I missing something? Do you consider the term disrespectful or demeaning?
ENS
Officers
2LT
Professionalism
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 392
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All a butter bar is,is an overpaid private. Unless he was former enlisted and went to the dark side.
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CPT (Join to see)
I used to be enlisted and I still think I might be a little overpaid. Doesn't mean I'm going to give the money back though.
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SGT Woodrow Greenfeather
I wouldn't either. My PGS always told his new LT's he just needed them for a signature. Don't try to change anything and don't talk to his Joe's. Stick by him and do what he says and you will live to get promoted lol.
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"Butter Bar" = Not offensive. If the term offends any 2ndLt/Ensign, might be a good time to review your career choice.
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Capt Mark Strobl
Thanks SN Greg Wright - I still check in to read the posts. Just have to get out the door before I respond. Still here... just quietly trolling.
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When I Retired as a Sgt. Major I could here Solders, Marine’s ,Sailors and Airmen say HERE COMES THE ( SMAG) and I Loved It When given Names associated with Military Rank it is a Military Thing And has been for Many Many Years . So if You are offended Then Correct Find a New Profession , I am Sure any 4 BANGER Out will Agree With Me .
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Suspended Profile
I find it pretty close to the terms used for WO1's. Spot, Dot, and Wobbly One are my personal favorites. Do I call anyone these terms? No. Did I take offense when I was called any of these? Of course not. I've been called worse names by better people.
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I think it is tied up in context. I've seen a few 2nd-tour division officers (read: JOs who've been in a grand total of 2 years longer than the most recent college/OCS grads) who loved to talk down to "butter bars" and used the rank disparity as a way of inflating their own egos. At the same time, I enjoyed a few late watches where my balls were busted for being an O-1 by a boatswain who took jokes back at him in total stride and we ended up being a much more efficient watch team for it. If you try to use something as an insult, it is an insult. There is a difference between good-natured ribbing and being a jerk.
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Those who are so easily offended have chosen the wrong profession. The US Armed Forces exist to defeat our enemies whatever the situation. Sometimes that involved harsh language followed by even more harsh actions. Learn to adapt or get gone.
I've been called Zoomie, Chair Force, FNG, and others. I take them all with a chuckle and move out smartly. What do I care if some Jarhead, POG, or REMF wants to call me names?
I've been called Zoomie, Chair Force, FNG, and others. I take them all with a chuckle and move out smartly. What do I care if some Jarhead, POG, or REMF wants to call me names?
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MSG Dan Castaneda
This is not the same military you grew up in. We care more about Soldier's feelings than mission readiness.
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MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P
Unfortunately, MSG Dan Castaneda, I believe you are all to correct. We were starting to see that when I retired almost eight years ago. Hopefully, we never find ourselves in a "force on force" encounter again (ie: WWII or Korea type engagement) but I'm really concerned about our effectiveness when the fecal matter impacts the atmospheric oscillator.
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SGT Eric Knutson
MSgt, I agree with you completely, but I also wanted to tell you I am copying that pic you have there. I know a few other places to show it to get the point across haha
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I have heard the term "Golden Private". Were I a 2nd LT, I'd probably prefer "Butter Bar".
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It wasn't offensive or demeaning until I became one, I wouldn't say I find it rude, I just personally do not like it coming from being a SSG to a 2LT. After 13 years of being in and now people call me a butter- bar...not exactly a term I feel I deserve. But do I get mad? No, unless it's coming from someone I already know to be a dirtbag.
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When I served in the Corps it referred to the gold insignia and that they were a new officer. Most Marines didn't use it like an insult.
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