Do military "nicknames" from civilians bother you?

PO2 Richard C. — Wed, 19 Jul 2017 14:25:14 -0400

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.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Jul 19 at 2017 2:27 PM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Wed, 19 Jul 2017 14:27:26 -0400

PO2 Richard C.: I don't get called nicknames by civilians....Civilians will thank me for my service; though.
-Margaret

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Jul 19 at 2017 2:30 PM

SSG Carlos Madden — Wed, 19 Jul 2017 14:30:42 -0400

They certainly don't sound right coming from a civilian and I kind of give them the "ooookkkay buddy" look, but I wouldn't get butt hurt about it either. It's mostly just awkward.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2017 2:31 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Jul 2017 14:31:54 -0400

It personally does not bother me, but some vets take things bit more personally than others. I certainly wouldn't be calling a vet anything other than what they want to be called if I was just a civilian though.

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Jul 19 at 2017 2:38 PM

LtCol Robert Quinter — Wed, 19 Jul 2017 14:38:10 -0400

I can't get upset by a lifelong civilian calling me a Jarhead, Rotorhead, or any other of the nicknames that have been assigned to Marines over the years. As much as many of us hate to admit it, from the civilian world we came and, for the most part, will eventually return. At best, it shows they were interested enough in us to learn the terms, and at worst, they are civilians without the advantage of our advanced education and should be pitied, not lambasted.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2017 2:47 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Jul 2017 14:47:18 -0400

Hell, I would just turn it around on them and ask if they are jealous or feeling inadequate for not being able to join up.

Response by SPC Jon O. made Jul 19 at 2017 3:03 PM

SPC Jon O. — Wed, 19 Jul 2017 15:03:20 -0400

Great question Richard... Can I repeat some of the nicknames my DI had for our platoon in basic.... It's amazing how a nickname will follow you once tagged with it. In most cases you are stuck with it no matter how hard you try an shed it.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Jul 19 at 2017 3:20 PM

SGT Dave Tracy — Wed, 19 Jul 2017 15:20:08 -0400

Not really.

I get more annoyed by those who were "almost military" taking up the flag of their favorite branch despite not having ever served (for whatever reason).

Response by SSG Robert Perrotto made Jul 19 at 2017 3:25 PM

SSG Robert Perrotto — Wed, 19 Jul 2017 15:25:46 -0400

I think it is just an attempt to "bond" in some sort of way, kinda like those civilians that say "I would have joined, but....". I find that a lot of civilians, especially those that were military eligible during the war, have a sense of "less than" when it comes to interacting with veterans, and it gives them a feeling of shame that they did not answer the call. So they attempt to find a connection between themselves and the veteran. I usually let them have that feeling of connection, but you can always tell in their eyes that they will never understand you.

Response by SSgt Gary Andrews made Jul 19 at 2017 3:27 PM

SSgt Gary Andrews — Wed, 19 Jul 2017 15:27:58 -0400

I answer to anything that smacks of being a Marine......my grandfather called me "gyrene".......been called a jarhead, a leatherneck, a sea going bellhop, a grunt, and one of Uncle Sams Misguided Children. I'm ok with any of these, as long as they aren't said with attitude.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jul 19 at 2017 3:30 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Wed, 19 Jul 2017 15:30:26 -0400

My feelings over time have ranged from the famous Mr T. "I pity the fool" back in the day to a tempered response like "You too could have been a someone". Mostly I just ignore it because the vast majority of the time, folk aren't ill willed about it. However, the snot bags do get a measured response. They're out there.

Response by CW3 George Fitzgerald made Jul 19 at 2017 3:34 PM

CW3 George Fitzgerald — Wed, 19 Jul 2017 15:34:33 -0400

I guess that would depend on whether it was a stranger to you or a friend (friends that go way back can do a lot of things to each other or call each other that others might take issue with)

Response by SPC Douglas Bolton made Jul 19 at 2017 3:44 PM

SPC Douglas Bolton — Wed, 19 Jul 2017 15:44:30 -0400

PO2 Richard C. I was never called any nicknames. I probably would have been Ok with it at the time. I di think there should be a respect level even when they are calling someone a nickname.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Jul 19 at 2017 3:52 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Wed, 19 Jul 2017 15:52:07 -0400

PO2 Richard C. Can't Say I've Had the Experience. I'm Rather Proud of being a Squid, Swabby, Cryppie, Spook, Twidget, Fleety.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2017 4:55 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Jul 2017 16:55:39 -0400

PO2 Richard C. I have only been called jarhead and other names by fellow brothers and sisters. If a civilian did call me a jarhead, etc., I would not be upset. I have been called much worse a long time ago.

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Jul 19 at 2017 5:05 PM

SGT Philip Roncari — Wed, 19 Jul 2017 17:05:44 -0400

No,most if not all of my friends and extended family don't even know the terms described and since I seldom mention my Service time the subject hardly comes up,and besides in my heart I'll always be a "grunt "and proud of it,they don't have to know diddley but I know and that's good enough for me.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jul 19 at 2017 5:40 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Wed, 19 Jul 2017 17:40:22 -0400

Never heard any from the civilians I know, other than my wife.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Jul 19 at 2017 6:04 PM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Wed, 19 Jul 2017 18:04:49 -0400

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.

Response by CMSgt David Allen made Jul 19 at 2017 6:34 PM

CMSgt David Allen — Wed, 19 Jul 2017 18:34:10 -0400

I don't get concerned about it.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Jul 19 at 2017 7:06 PM

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P — Wed, 19 Jul 2017 19:06:55 -0400

Mehh. I tend to ignore the foul mouthings from the unwashed ignorant masses.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2017 7:34 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Jul 2017 19:34:15 -0400

I have never experienced a time or occasion where I was called any nickname from a civilian but I know some brothers and sisters in arms that were called nicknames.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Jul 19 at 2017 8:02 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Wed, 19 Jul 2017 20:02:47 -0400

Not even a little bit. Some people need to take off their diva pumps and get over themselves...

Response by AN Christopher Crayne made Jul 19 at 2017 8:07 PM

AN Christopher Crayne — Wed, 19 Jul 2017 20:07:19 -0400

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.

Response by 1SG John B. Enlow made Jul 19 at 2017 8:34 PM

1SG John B. Enlow — Wed, 19 Jul 2017 20:34:50 -0400

Not at all - primarily because I refuse to associate with those who would use those terms. I didn't like it when I was active either. As a 1SG, I wouldn't allow subordinates to call me 'Top' or call Lieutenants 'LT".

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Jul 20 at 2017 2:56 AM

Capt Seid Waddell — Thu, 20 Jul 2017 02:56:38 -0400

I've got better things to do than to get upset over trivia.

Response by AA Joseph Moody made Jul 20 at 2017 8:06 AM

AA Joseph Moody — Thu, 20 Jul 2017 08:06:50 -0400

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.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2017 8:39 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Jul 2017 08:39:01 -0400

I'm proud of nicknames like grunt or Devil Dog so it doesn't bother me. If they are meaning it in a derogatory way it would. But then, anything they call me in a derogatory way would probably bother me.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2017 11:59 AM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Jul 2017 11:59:59 -0400

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.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Jul 20 at 2017 12:53 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Thu, 20 Jul 2017 12:53:19 -0400

"American Legion friend of mine gets very upset when a non-vet civilian refers to a veteran by a service nickname"
Your friend has an opinion and its as valid as anyones else... but Id say his "outrage" is misplaced and unneeded.
Plenty of things to be upset about , no need to take offense at something like this.

Response by CPO Atwell Suman made Jul 20 at 2017 2:26 PM

CPO Atwell Suman — Thu, 20 Jul 2017 14:26:08 -0400

No. I was proud to be known as a swabbie, squid, bubblehead, knuckledragger, tubes, warhead. Just don't call me late for chow.

Response by PO3 Tom Lewis made Jul 20 at 2017 2:33 PM

PO3 Tom Lewis — Thu, 20 Jul 2017 14:33:32 -0400

with the exception of Dink, other words are ok especially bubblehead.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2017 2:40 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Jul 2017 14:40:00 -0400

I have worked with Marines and Navy since leaving the Army, there has only been a few occasions when any of them have tried to make an Army joke that are usually tossed between Army and Marine personnel. I usually tell them in a non angry manner, if you want to make jokes like that, you need to actually serve in the Military unless you want to see someone get pissed.

Response by CSM Thomas McGarry made Jul 20 at 2017 2:42 PM

CSM Thomas McGarry — Thu, 20 Jul 2017 14:42:47 -0400

I guess in my case life is too short to get upset about such things!!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2017 7:40 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Jul 2017 19:40:34 -0400

Perhaps I'm a bit sensitive, but the term weekend warrior has always rubbed me the wrong way. My commitment to Uncle Sam hasn't been one weekend a month since I wore any sort of rank above PFC. It's especially irritating when it's some slick-sleeve who did 4 years in the 90's or a civilian who doesn't have a clue its primarily used in a derogatory fashion. (I would not equate weekend warrior with the rest of the nicknames listed.) With that said, some random civilian calling me a grunt or ground pounder isn't a big deal. While it may feel a little less than genuine, it's certainly not something to lose your mind over. Frankly, I think the more annoying civilian behaviors are questions and/or statements like:

1. "Do you know John Smith? He's stationed somewhere in Texas... I don't know what his rank, job, or service is."

2. "How many people have you killed?"

3. "I thought about joining the military, but then I got accepted into college."

4. "I don't think I could handle the military. I'm too independent and strong willed. I'd yell right back at that Drill Sergeant."

5. "My cousin's boyfriend's brother's roommate's step-son is a Navy Seal/Green Beret/Ranger." and then acting like I'm supposed to be really impressed.

6. "Do you have PTSD?"

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Jul 20 at 2017 9:30 PM

SSG Trevor S. — Thu, 20 Jul 2017 21:30:00 -0400

They haven't earned the right, we earned it for them.
It's hard to endure people exercising their free speech rights when it is used against the way we feel. That just makes the Constitution and it's amendments that much more cool, because if you are not under any service restraints at the time you get to voice your opinion of civilians!!!!!!!

Response by SGT James (Jimmy) Crone made Jul 21 at 2017 6:28 AM

SGT James (Jimmy) Crone — Fri, 21 Jul 2017 06:28:23 -0400

My name is Jim feel free to use it lol

Response by SMSgt William Hatfield made Jul 21 at 2017 7:35 PM

SMSgt William Hatfield — Fri, 21 Jul 2017 19:35:08 -0400

I agree wholeheartedly.

Response by SSG Dennis Butler made Aug 14 at 2017 9:59 AM

SSG Dennis Butler — Mon, 14 Aug 2017 09:59:19 -0400

aside from the being called baby killer etc, I haven't been called by any any other nicknames by a non vet civilian. they had no clue. here's an example. I got out of the field on 2 july 69, got home on 4 july. no time to wind down. get home and part of my welcome home is cherry bombs being set off, and they looked at me weirdly as I ducked behind the nearest tree and was looking for my rifle. not funny at the time but they just didn't know. I still give my brother hell about that when I get the chance.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Aug 14 at 2017 11:29 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Mon, 14 Aug 2017 23:29:08 -0400

It's like picking on your little brother....it's ok for me, but if someone else does it there will be hell to pay.

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Dec 20 at 2018 12:14 PM

SSgt Boyd Herrst — Thu, 20 Dec 2018 12:14:01 -0500

I let it ride .. some I know don’t do to
be mean.. they may not understand..
I consider the source and try not to be butthurt over it.. some do try to be ‘mean’. And showing you’re butthurt
... you just let them win !

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Dec 20 at 2018 4:55 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Thu, 20 Dec 2018 16:55:04 -0500

I can only wish my life was so uncomplicated so devoid of meaningful things to do, goals to work towards that I had the time and energy to be concerned about such a trivial things as a civilian using a military nickname.

Thats not to say it cant be important to others, likely there are things that drive me nuts, others would feel are a waste of time. To each his own

Response by LTC John Griscom made Dec 20 at 2018 7:52 PM

LTC John Griscom — Thu, 20 Dec 2018 19:52:39 -0500

Have to consider the source and walk on.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Dec 20 at 2018 10:38 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 20 Dec 2018 22:38:20 -0500

I don't mind being called a DAT or FAT.

Response by SCPO Jason McLaughlin made Dec 21 at 2018 8:41 AM

SCPO Jason McLaughlin — Fri, 21 Dec 2018 08:41:56 -0500

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.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2018 10:57 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Dec 2018 10:57:16 -0500

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.

Response by SSG Robert Peterson made Apr 24 at 2019 6:10 PM

SSG Robert Peterson — Wed, 24 Apr 2019 18:10:58 -0400

Nope, doesn't phase me. Those are nicknames we were generally raised with. If it's said in a just a description.. fine, if they're making fun of the person with it, it may be a different issue