Skip to main content
Dictionary
Store
Blog
World
Help
Advertise
Chat
System Status
Information Collection Notice
Trademark Concerns
reCAPTCHA Privacy
Terms of Service
reCAPTCHA Terms
Privacy Policy
Accessibility
Report a Bug
Data Request
Contact Us
Security
DMCA
© 1999–2026 Urban Dictionary ®
Mugs
Tees
Hoodies
Pro Customization
Create unique products with your own words and definitions
Preview
Personalize Your Design
Your Word
Your Definition
Adjective that defines an Army soldier who, in either combat or casual settings: keeps perfect uniforms far above required standards, with no loose threads or stains or wrinkles, and all required insignia and medals exactly where they should be; and, has superb dignity and bearing, ramrod straight yet behaving with the ease born of confidence--in short, the model of appearance for all soldiers to follow. The term was heard by this writer in 1977-1978 at Fort Bragg, NC, post-Vietnam era. It was considered the highest compliment that could be paid by one soldier to another. It was always given to male soldiers, as female soldiers were so few at the time and it tended to be a "guy thing." It might derive from one of a number of related words in old German, Dutch, or English meaning "tight," "tense," or "strict" (see "strak" in Wiktionary-dot-org).
Text fits
Save
Cancel