Whiskey Tango Foxtrot

The Real Language of the Modern American Military

An Alpha-to-Zulu guide to the complex and colorful slang used by the United States armed forces.

Soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen have over centuries come up with words, phrases, and acronyms to express everything from raw emotion to complex technology. The military is both a distinctive way of life and a community—one with a language of its own.

With this book, you can get a command of the lingo and what it means—from mating mosquitoes to gadget to panty raid, as well as some less delicate entries. You’ll also discover the military roots of words and expressions that have made their way into civilian language, like attaboy and hotdog.

Whether you’re interested in military life or the quirks of American language, Whiskey Tango Foxtrot is a fascinating tour.