Category: Phrases & Slang

Delta Sierra (D-S) is phonetic shorthand for a careless mistake. Origin, usage and related phrases.

Common military alphabet phrases and slang explained — Oscar Mike, Bravo Zulu, Lima Charlie, WTF and more, grouped into prowords and slang.

Oscar Mike means “On the Move” — the military alphabet code words for O and M. Origin, radio usage, pop culture and related phrases.

Bravo Zulu means “well done” — from the naval signal BZ. Origin, usage, the opposite phrase, and related military phonetic phrases.

Lima Charlie means “loud and clear” — the phonetic letters L and C. Origin, radio usage and related phrases.

Charlie Mike means “continue mission” — the phonetic letters C and M. Origin, radio and motivational usage, and related phrases.

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot spells out WTF — a polite, tongue-in-cheek way to express surprise or disbelief. Origin, usage, pop culture and related phrases.

Tango Mike means “thanks much” and Tango Yankee means “thank you” — two ways to say thanks in the military alphabet. Origins, difference and usage.

Charlie Foxtrot is the phonetic way to call something a chaotic mess. Origin, usage, and how it differs from Whiskey Tango Foxtrot.

November Golf means “no go” — a fail. Origin in pass/fail scoring and how the phonetic phrase (N-G) is used.