When did people outside the military start using the adjective "salty"?

LTJG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 02:36:34 -0400

It might just be me, and I have been known to be oblivious to certain aspects of pop culture (like who's dating who and who sang what song, etc) but before I joined the military I never noticed people using the term "salty" to describe someone that's acting bitter or disgruntled. Now I see it all the time. Facebook posts, memes, even E-Sports. Is this a recent thing or did it just go over my head?

Response by TSgt David L. made Oct 27 at 2016 3:01 AM

TSgt David L. — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 03:01:27 -0400

LTJG Private RallyPoint Member, I believe it is a more recent thing, likely used by "Uncle Bob" or "Grandpa Joe" and there was enough folks out there hearing it that it spead around. A bunch of Tacti-Cool wannabes. LOL

Response by SFC Christopher Perry made Oct 27 at 2016 6:13 AM

SFC Christopher Perry — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 06:13:59 -0400

My kids and all their skater friends have used it for years.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2016 10:10 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 10:10:50 -0400

When I was in the Marine Corps, the word "salty" was used to describe someone who has a lot of time in service, and is experienced and seasoned. I'm not sure how the current usage in social media started.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Oct 27 at 2016 11:03 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 11:03:15 -0400

It has a few traditional uses in the Navy. An old salt was a lifer that we'd accuse of starting out with canvas sails. Salty uniforms were faded, threadbare, etc. Salty language was cussing. So I'd expect it was hijacked for the later use primarily based on disgruntled people's language.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2016 12:51 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 12:51:29 -0400

First time I heard it I had a wtf moment. I thought it was an old Navy phrase but a lot of people are using it now. It's fairly recent I suppose.

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Oct 27 at 2016 3:20 PM

SSG Carlos Madden — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 15:20:41 -0400

I've been hearing "Salted" for a number of years now too.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2016 3:28 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 15:28:54 -0400

People outside the military have been using it since 1866.

Response by SFC George Smith made Oct 27 at 2016 6:53 PM

SFC George Smith — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 18:53:21 -0400

interesting Not heard that term in decades...

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2016 8:22 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 20:22:11 -0400

hell, we was using that back when I was in high school: 1995-1999