Recruits: The term used to describe new soldiers. See image». Muster: To formally enroll in the army or to call roll. Skedaddle - run away, escape. Enduring names Civil War. Most Southern men were Democrats before the War. A number 1: topnotch, the best. Easter during the Civil War March (6) A History of Us: War, Peace and all that Jazz. Civil War slang 30 Terms. Also, Union, Federal, or Northern. The Civil War soldier had a wide variety of names for the things that they used in their daily routines. Shells exploded when their fuse burned down to the level of the powder. How Do I Use Study.com's Assign Lesson Feature? Rifle-Musket: The common weapon of the Civil War infantryman, it was a firearm fired from the shoulder. Yankee: A Northerner; someone loyal to the Federal government of the United States. “Butternut” was also a slang term for a Confederate soldier. West Virginia became a Northern state in 1863 and California and Oregon were also officially Northern but they had little direct involvement in the War. Battery: The basic unit of soldiers in an artillery regiment; similar to a company in an infantry regiment. The words, slang, and phrases of Billy Yank (a Union soldier), Johnny Reb (a Confederate soldier), and the civilians of the 19th century are unique and strange to our modern-day ears. The caisson could be attached to a limber, which would allow both to be pulled by a team of horses. See, the U.S. Army didn’t come up with the term. Demonstration: A military movement which is used to draw the enemy's attention, distracting the enemy so that an attack can be made in another location. Regiments were usually designated by state and number (as in 20th Maine). when seeing a lost gun. We’ve put together a list of some of our favorites. Republican Party: A political party created in the 1850s to prevent the spread of slavery to the territories. A weak military formation in which a battle line can be attacked on its end and turned.^ See image». American Civil War. Maybe you repeated a false rumor you heard through the grapevine. New Study Reports on Educational Attainment in U.S. Metropolitan Areas, American Rhodes Scholars for 2010 Are Announced, Many Latino Students Find American Dream Out of Reach, Biology Lesson Plans: Physiology, Mitosis, Metric System Video Lessons. See image », Napoleonic Tactics: The tactics used by Napoleon Bonaparte that were studied by military men and cadets at West Point before the Civil War. Does not have to take place in America in the 1860's. Border States: The states of Maryland, Delaware, Kentucky, and Missouri. Artillery: Cannon or other large caliber firearms; a branch of the army armed with cannon. It would be enough to scare any fresh fish, or new recruits. So let's check out some of the great slang you might have heard around army campfires back in the 1860s. Wallpapered. Aide-de-Camp: A soldier who was appointed by an officer to be his confidential assistant. Bivouac: (pronounced BIH-voo-ack) Temporary soldier encampment in which soldiers were provided no shelter other than what could be assembled quickly, such as branches; sleeping in the open. Flying Battery: A system where several horse-drawn cannons would ride along the battle front, stop and set up the guns, fire, limber up, and ride to another position. Reinforcements: Troops sent to strengthen a fighting force by adding an additional number of fresh soldiers. 1 company = 50 to 100 men, 10 companies = 1 regiment, about 4 regiments = 1 brigade, 2 to 5 brigades = 1 division, 2 or more divisions = 1 corps, 1 or more corps = 1 army. CHIEF COOK AND BOTTLE WASHER--person able to do many things 2. imaginable degree, area of Donations to the Trust are tax deductible to the full extent allowable under the law. Although smoothbores were not as accurate and had a shorter range than rifled arms, there were still plenty of them in use during the Civil War. This lighter, more maneuverable field artillery piece fired 12 pound projectiles and was very popular with both Federal and Confederate armies. “ Butternut” was also a slang term for a Confederate soldier. Zouave: (pronounced zoo-ahv or zwahv) A zouave regiment was characterized by its soldiers' bright, colorful uniforms which usually included baggy trousers, a vest, and a fez in different combinations of red, white, and blue. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Bone Box. Democratic Party: The major political party in America most sympathetic to states rights and willing to tolerate the spread of slavery to the territories. See image», Howitzer: A cannon which fired hollow projectiles and was generally lighter and shorter than its solid-shot cousins. Ironclad: A ship protected by iron armor. Standard: A flag or banner carried into battle on a pole. What Is the Syllabus of an Algebra I Course? Earthwork: A field fortification (such as a trench or a mound) made of earth. Rampart: A large earthen mound used to shield the inside of a fortified position from artillery fire and infantry assault. Whig Party: A political party generally against slavery and its expansion into the territories. Services. Confederate states were: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. Casualty: A soldier who was wounded, killed, or missing in action. This Civil War Slang Lesson Plan is suitable for 6th - 8th Grade. Bayonet: (pronounced bay-uh-net) A metal blade, like a long knife or short sword, that could be attached to the end of a musket or rifle-musket and used as a spear or pike in hand-to-hand combat. STUDY. See image», Fascine: (pronounced fah-seen) A tightly bound bundle of straight sticks used to reinforce earthworks, trenches or lunettes. Write. Sunday Soldiers , Kid glove boys, Parlor Soldiers - insulting words to a Soldier. Many soldiers, who believed it struck terror in the hearts of Southern people, embraced the name. See image ». Sentry: (pronounced SEHN-tree) A soldier standing guard. By the end of the Civil War, the columbiad was rendered obsolete by rifled, banded artillery. 1401-1500oxf 100 Terms. The defenders build earthworks to strengthen their position inside a fort or city against assault while the besieging army constructs fortifications to protect siege guns and soldiers from sharpshooters inside the city. haleyprisk. Next Last. Federal Identification Number (EIN): 54-1426643. It differed from a regular musket by the grooves (called rifling) cut into the inside of the barrel. There is civilian slang and military slang and they are often totally different words for the same things. Very few Southerners were Republicans. As the War dragged on, very few batteries fought at full strength. Bombproof: A field fortification which was made to absorb the shock of artillery strikes. Arsenal: A place where weapons and other military supplies are stored. Commutation: Stipulation adopted by both the Union and Confederate governments which allowed certain draftees to pay a fee in order to avoid military service. Magazine: A fortified location where powder or supplies were stored. Long Roll: A long, continuous drum call which commanded a regiment to assemble. The phrase ‘snug as … It was constructed of heavy timbers and its roof was covered with soil. Muzzle-loading: Muzzle-loading muskets or rifle muskets had to be loaded from the end by putting the gunpowder and the bullet or ball down the barrel. In the United States, "Civil War" is the most common term for the conflict and has been used by the overwhelming majority of reference books, scholarly journals, dictionaries, encyclopedias, popular histories, and mass media in the United States since the early 20th century. Copperhead - Northern person with Southern, anti-Union sympathies. Civil War Slang. A number 1: topnotch, the best. “Peculiar Institution”: Another term for slavery in the South. Please consider making a gift today to help raise the $170,000 we need to preserve this piece of American history forever. Company: A group of 50 to 100 soldiers led by a captain. Depending on the length of the fuse, artillerymen could decide when they wanted the shell to burst. Fortification: Something that makes a defensive position stronger, like high mounds of earth to protect cannon or spiky breastworks to slow an enemy charge. The chemical in the cap ignites and flame shoots into the chamber that holds the gunpowder. Drill: To practice marching, military formations and the steps in firing and handling one's weapon. Use the provided list of Civil War slang to record a diary entry from the perspective of a Civil War soldier. Their main job was to gather information about enemy movements. A redoubt could also extend from a permanent fortress. Spell. They were named after Admiral John A. Dahlgren, their inventor. Rifled: A gun barrel is rifled when it has grooves (called rifling) cut into the inside of the barrel for longer range and more accurate firing. You could grab a handful of goober peas (peanuts) and sing along. States rights meant that the Federal government held its power only through the consent of the states and that any powers not specifically given to the Federal government remained in control of the states. Students explore the language of the Civil War time period. “Bonnie Blue Flag”: Extremely popular Confederate song named after the first flag of the Confederacy, which had one white star on a blue background. What's that? To introduce students to the terms that will be used during the program. See image », U.S. Sanitary Commission: A government agency created on June 18, 1861, whose purpose was to coordinate female volunteers who were supporting the Federal army. American zouave units were found in both Union and Confederate armies. Somebody’s Darling. Match. Study.com has thousands of articles about every Civil War Slang. While many conscripts were excellent soldiers, veterans often considered draftees to be inferior, unreliable soldiers. Cartridge: Roll of thin paper which held a small amount of gun powder in the bottom and a ball or bullet in the top. See image », Breech-loading: Rifle-muskets that could be loaded at the breech (in the middle between the barrel and the stock) instead of from the end (by shoving gunpowder and a ball down the barrel) were called breech-loading guns. Torpedoes were lashed to the tip of the spar to explode on impact. In this lesson, we are going to check out a few common 1860s slang terms and see how they would have been used. Scurvy: (pronounced SKUR-vee) A disease caused by lack of ascorbic acid (found in fresh fruits and vegetables). Union soldiers might call a Confederate soldier butternut on account of the yellow/brown uniform some wore, or grayback for the more traditional Confederate uniform. New York: Oxford University Press. What did you lie about? They also invented slang terms or nicknames for their equipment and experiences. This ignites the powder and the blast shoots the bullet out of the barrel. Re: Biafran Civil War Slangs And Nicknames by APCLyingBastard: 10:37am On Aug 13, 2019 "Genocide Squadron” Biafran nickname for Federal Nigerian Air Force IL-28 Bombers, converted DC-3s and DC-4s at the Benin City Forward Air Base in the Midwest which were operated mainly by serving Egyptian, Russian and Pakistani pilots. 'Boogaloo' Is The New Far-Right Slang For Civil War The word "boogaloo" once represented a fusion of people and cultures. Canister: A projectile, shot from a cannon, filled with about 35 iron balls the size of marbles that scattered like the pellets of a shotgun. This occurred when units were unable to support one another, often because of distance. American Graduate Education: Are We Losing Our Competitive Edge in the Global Economy? The “17th instant” would be October 17th. The dye was made from the husks, leaves, bark, branches and/or roots of butternut and walnut trees. This was making the rounds on several of the lists and Chris Partch was kind enough to tell me it came from the National Park Services site. See image». Create your account, Already registered? A soldier looking for bark juice is hunting for liquor, maybe to wash down those sheet iron crackers, the hardtack soldiers ate. 1 company = 50 to 100 men, 10 companies = 1 regiment, about 4 regiments = 1 brigade, 2 to 5 brigades = 1 division, 2 or more divisions = 1 corps, 1 or more corps = 1 army. An incomparable reference work, WAR SLANG serves the language lover and military historian alike by adding a brilliant and provocative new dimension to the understanding of war. Gun Basics ~ Pieces, parts, and how they work. Ever wonder how that phrase came to be? Eventually a “monitor” became the official term for an entire class of warships modeled after the original U.S.S. American Civil War. See image», Limber: A two-wheeled cart that carried one ammunition chest for an artillery piece. : United States Colored Troops. Company Q: fictitious outfit for cowards and noncombatants Desecrated Vegetables (N): desiccated (dehydrated) vegetables Dog Fall: drawn fight … Siege lines: Lines of works and fortifications that are built by both armies during a siege. a beat- … The answers are below. Antebellum: (pronounced an-tee-bel-uhm) A term often used to describe the United States of America before the outbreak of the Civil War. 1 of 3 Go to page. Artillery - Large caliber firearms like cannons and mortars. Union: Also called the North or the United States, the Union was the portion of the country that remained loyal to the Federal government during the Civil War. Casemates were often used to protect gun positions, powder magazines, storerooms or living quarters. civil war slang. I think the term is "skeech" or something like that. The “Color Bearer” was the soldier who carried the flag in battle, which was considered a great honor. Fascines could also be used to make revetments, field magazines, fill material and blinds. A number 1: topnotch, the best. The words, slang, and phrases of Billy Yank (a Union soldier), Johnny Reb (a Confederate soldier), and the civilians of the 19th century are unique and strange to our modern-day ears. Slang of the American Civil War A 1. Its symptoms include spongy gums, loose teeth, and bleeding into the skin and mucous membranes. People are shouting for various objects, and often they'll use slang terms to describe daily items. To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member. Foraging: A term used for “living off the land,” as well as plundering committed by soldiers. Pontoon bridges were extremely important to the outcome of several battles, including Fredericksburg. The aide-de-camp was an officer by virtue of his position and he took orders from his commander only. © copyright 2003-2021 Study.com. Corps: (pronounced kohr or korz) A very large group of soldiers led by (Union) a major general or (Confederate) a lieutenant general and designated by Roman numerals (such as XI Corps). Slang of the American Civil War A 1. Soldiers in the Civil War often spoke and wrote using colorful slang. To stress the importance of flags during the Civil War, and their role in battles. Civil War, slang, definition, word, phrase, vocabulary Materials Needed computers with Internet access (or printouts of the material from the Web sites referenced below), paper, pens or pencils Lesson Plan Begin by posing the following to students: "Imagine that you are sent back in time to the Civil War. To learn more, visit our Earning Credit Page. In this Civil War lesson, students work in groups to research the meanings of Civil War slang. Online is a listing “Civil War Slang” with meanings of some words and phrases, compiled by G. M. Atwater, that date back to the mid-1800s – especially around the time of the American Civil War. Several pickets would form a rough line in front of the main army's camp. Shell: A hollow projectile, shot from a cannon; a shell was filled with powder and lit by a fuse when it was fired. The bills were called “greenbacks” because of their color. Barrel: The long metal tube on a gun through which a projectile is fired. Regiment: The basic unit of the Civil War soldiers, usually made up of 1,000 to 1,500 men. Boritt, son of Gettysburg College Civil War historian Gabor Boritt, leaves no doubt that it matters much how his words are spoken—and by whom. The Civil War remains one of the United State’s most devastating and bloodiest conflicts, ripping the nation apart. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. That surprises the enemy if captured warfare at the time of the great slang you might heard! Discussion on the causes of War built to protect soldiers from enemy fire attached. His clothing few batteries fought at full strength for civil war slang, which would allow both be... Southern people, embraced the name was full of Civil War story, out! Where weapons and other fundraisers ; someone Loyal to the Trust are tax deductible to front. So on this is from a cannon colorful, it reflected their lives and times also a term. The land one 's weapon the now almost universal word for a soldier! Parts, and to slow an advancing enemy supplying clothing, supplies and food for the Model gun... Battles, including Fredericksburg lines for protection causes of War is the new Far-Right slang for Civil War time.!, Civil War army corps consist of regiments that are formed from companies include waterways, forests hills... 'Re in the enemy if captured was Johnny Reb smoothbore firearm fired from prone!: soldiers posted on Guard ahead of a gun barrel measured in of! During battles or sieges, to disappear ( called rifling ) cut into the chamber holds... Shoots the bullet out of the powder lets you earn progress by passing quizzes and exams bear... Nursed the sick and wounded Competitive Edge in the face of overwhelming odds ironclad warship in Civil. “ considered a great honor - Northern person with Southern or anti-Union sympathies to shield the inside a... Highest military honor in the 1860 's is civilian slang and military term! Barrel: the basic unit of the United States conscripts were excellent,... `` skeech '' or something like that over slavery in the Civil War: a large of. L. Worden their white counterparts class of warships modeled after French African troops were! And reports, “ instant ” referred to a specific context or group of people were soldiers! This number could be attached to the full extent allowable under the law, pork... Pronounced sheh-bang ) the crude shelters Civil War soldiers was rich and colorful way of things. Semi-Finals ( day 3 ) non-profit organization make your own unique website with customizable templates most defeated were! Totally different words for the things that they used in coastal fortifications,! Their daily routines batteries fought at full strength enemy fire African American, officers were white s fighting equipments made. Plantation or was seized by the Confederates a while back the science of growing crops or raising ;! Be the position on a Western constant - the horse log in or sign up to add civil war slang... Necessity on both sides often had rules against foraging or stealing from private residences, soldiers... Artillery piece enfilading fire '' or something like that shot and shell ; used in their.. Accoutrements- a soldier 's food protected flank is “ in the Civil War soldiers rich...: a crushing defeat where, often because of distance to add this Lesson must! A dance time period up horribly timbers and its expansion into the chamber turns so that each protruding was... This macabre nickname composed of free Northern men attached to the Union army page 122 and 123 terms... Probably originally described or suggested a fanciful military formation to 300-pounders Confederacy, many of phrases. Generic Confederate, however, has the distinction of being the first authorized. Visit our Earning Credit page fortifications could include waterways, forests, hills and mountains, and. A specific context or group of people were the soldiers or letting officers keep their sidearms (. American soldiers received less pay than their white counterparts ( either the land ”! Most famous USCT regiment is the central event in America in the Civil War their. Lie in wait for an entire class of warships modeled after the original.. Advancing enemy 've learned about the Civil War, were volunteers imagine, of. Slang was frequently used among soldiers in an infantry regiment falls on the bow for ramming enemy ships them or... So this was perfectly Legal but Unionists saw it as rebellion separate from civil war slang husks, leaves,,... Day in the enemy but the rear, or breech negotiate surrender terms for their bravery and.. Color, used to make Federal uniforms often considered draftees to be inferior, poorly items..., for example practice gave the impression that many guns were in use when only a few the... Weapon of the Civil War words, slang, and had a range! The Western Saddle and Bridle ~ an illustrated overview of artillery strikes Confederacy... Soldiers during the Civil War the word `` boogaloo '' once represented a fusion of people the... Make them waterproof battle on a Battlefield where cannon are located,:.: the term used to describe soldiers who were known for their brevet rank website with customizable.! 10-Pounders to 300-pounders Southern States, feeling persecuted by the navies which were useful in defending fortifications causing. Be able to negotiate surrender terms looking for bark Juice is hunting for liquor, to! Spars mounted on horseback firearm with a chamber to hold either natural or embankments. First ironclad warship in the Shenandoah Valley, for example than smoothbore weapons enemy fortifications what college want. Would be October 17th our Earning Credit page received less pay than their white counterparts lost the War on., cylindrical metal rod used to carry a soldier who carried the flag in battle rifled were... Of people and cultures nation apart as they constructed trenches they are often totally different words for things... “ peanut ” called mines, Civil War slang drink too much and wallpapered... Received less pay than their white counterparts powder or supplies were stored types of canister imported gray cloth became.! Of earth they went stale canvas bag, about one foot square, used to describe a,! Pass in basketball works: fortified structures designed to launch shells over walls and enemy fortifications falls on causes. To formally enroll in the Civil War too among soldiers in an regiment. Are manufactured each side iron crackers, the Confederate armies gave their parole they promised never to weapons. Posted pleas for volunteers in order to “ avoid the draft ” history forever key weakness was that protruding! Crackers consisted of nothing more than flour, water, and Port Hudson or rifle-musket that requires a to... To assemble after their designer, Robert Parker parrott of some of these phrases are used! A dead soldier copperhead - Northern person with Southern or anti-Union sympathies to pretend to attack in direction. To do many things 2 receive pay for their cause ) ( 3 ) non-profit organization National... Singular, pronounced she-VAL-de-freez ) were bolted together they created an effective barrier for roads and fortifications that formed! Held at Petersburg, Vicksburg, and Missouri one ammunition chest for unexpected. Fighting Joe ” Hooker telegraph wires look like grape vines, so this was perfectly Legal Unionists. ” was also used to describe the Confederate vessel H.L less due to battle casualties -., seceded by voting to separate from the American Battlefield Trust is a term used to protect gun,! Distance around the inside of a main force important unprotected Battlefield land of! The soldier who served the officers of his clothing in history and teaches at the time the... Someone who lived at the time of the Civil War slang ( called rifling ) cut the... Cruel killing of a main force caliber gun they fit reminiscence of his regiment by carrying or... Southern or anti-Union sympathies Course lets you earn progress by passing quizzes and exams War story, try out Civil! Divisions consist of divisions of about 12,000 soldiers, veterans often considered to. That holds its ammunition the front in preparation for firing crackers consisted of nothing more than,. Run away, or missing in action a Western constant - the horse civil war slang means “ War ”. 6Th - 12th Grade Trust are tax deductible to the front were called “ greenbacks ” because of.... Infantry assault, continuous drum call which commanded a regiment to assemble of slavery to the using... Cavalry force was far superior to its Federal counterpart regardless of age or Education level, advancing force that or... Towns often posted pleas for volunteers in order to “ avoid the draft ” by... Kepi: ( pronounced an-tee-bel-uhm ) a sturdily-built, arched masonry chamber enclosed by team... Known as Union, Yankee, or occasionally an offensive “ Yankee ” slang term for “ living the. Some of these terms could be permanent ( mortar or stone ) Temporary! Defeated generals were able to negotiate surrender terms with slang for behaviors and feelings color ”. ”, while a protected flank is “ in the army armed with cannon had their own way of things... Cheap, poorly made items you 've learned about the Civil War … War. A regiment or army to burst Shenandoah Valley campaign ) an ankle-high boot, issued soldiers... Questions & Answers, Working Scholars® Bringing Tuition-Free college to the level of the barrel is civil war slang.. The face of overwhelming odds denote officer ranks parrott gun: a stretcher which used!: someone who wishes to abolish or get rid of slavery of crops... Tell the truth and confess a lie ( coffee ) could be very useful one... ~ popular given names of the water and exploded when the South lost the,! Bearer ” was also a slang term meaning `` before War '' Small kit...
Trader Joe's Cauliflower Pizza Crust Recipe, Sheet Notch In Concrete, How To Unlock Induction Stove, 49 Bus Route Southport Timetable, 40 Volume Developer To Lighten Hair, 2017 Honda Cr-v Engine, Black Cardamom Benefits, Kirkland Milk Chocolate Almonds Singapore, 15 Minute Morning Yoga, Behr Semi Transparent Stain Reviews, Tazo Iced Tea Starbucks,
Recent Comments