Common Terms

2/C- Second Class, a Junior Midshipman.

3/C- Third Class, a Sophomore Midshipman.

4/C- Fourth Class, a Freshman Midshipman.

Belay- To make fast or secure. To cancel as, “Belay that last pipe”.

Bilge- To fail a subject or an area beneath the engine and fire room beneath the deck.

Boards- Shoulder Boards worn upon the shoulders of certain uniforms to denote rank of officers and midshipmen.

Bow- Forward end of a ship.

Bulkhead- Vertical structural partition known to landlubbers as a wall.

Chain of Command- The succession of officers through which command is exercised

Deck- A salty term for floor.

Ensign- The American flag on the stern of ship that one salutes when boarding or departing.

Field Day- An all-hands physical therapy for the purpose of cleaning prior to an inspection.

Head- Reading room with plumbing, the “john” you left at home.

H.P.- High pressure hat, dress hat, combination cap.

Irish Pennant- Frayed edges or dangling threads.

Ladder- Civilians call this a staircase.

Liberty- Monday’s dream and Friday’s reality on Route 166A Strip.

MCDO- Midshipman Command Duty Officer. Direct representative of the Commandant.

Mess Deck- The area where thrice daily individuals gather for culinary comestibles.

MOOD- Midshipman Officer of the Deck.

MUG- Midshipman Under Guidance.

Muster- A group of midshipmen assembled together who are assigned to the same section, class or company for the purpose of finding out who is not there and why, and then to escort them to a predetermined location in an orderly fashion

Over Head- A ceiling in civilian lingo.

Passageway- Hallway to those uninitiated.

Pipe- Word passed over an intercom or public address system; the system itself.

POD- Plan of the Day; an interesting and vital information sheet published daily to disseminate the news of the Academy’s world.

Port- Left side, even numbered, red running light.

Quarterdeck- The part of the main deck reserved for honors and ceremonies and as the station of the Student Watch Officer in port.

Sick Bay- Where patient medicines and all purpose cures are dispensed.

Sound Off- A polite way of asking your name.

Starboard- Right side, odd numbered, green running light.

Stern- After end of the ship.

Swab- In your former life, it was called a mop.

U.A.- Unauthorized Appliance; Items which are unauthorized for use.

Upper-class- Second or first class midshipman.

Wedge- Midshipmen officers who are in charge of the entire regiment and its organization.

Zap- To be volunteered to do something.