English military slang: definition, means of formation and thematic classification

Global instability with military interventions in various Muslim countries by coalitions headed by the USA has led to an increase in interest toward the armed forces of the United States and their coalition partners - foremost, the UK and other countries of the (British) Commonwealth of Nations. For those working in the sphere of military interpreting, the interest is in language and, in particular, military speak. The article considers the notion of English military slang as a separate vocabulary having certain attributes. Slang is considered to be informal speech with evaluative, expressive and emotional connotations standing apart from literary language. Means of English slang word formations are described. An analysis of thematic groups of military slang, put forward by other authors, is conducted. The author proposes a model of classification of English military slang based on certain thematic groups, provided with examples. These can be divided into 'interpersonal relations', subdivided further into 'everyday interpersonal relations between military personnel', 'interpersonal relations between military personnel depending on rank, position, armed service and service branch' and 'relations toward military personnel and civilian populations of foreign countries'; 'the activity of military personnel', subdivided further into 'everyday activity and life of military personnel', 'activity during armed conflicts and exercises' and 'leave and free time'; and 'a person and his surrounding world', subdivided further into 'food', 'clothing and uniform', 'weaponry and military equipment', 'state of health and body parts' and 'mood and psychological state'. A conclusion is made that studying English military slang words is particularly useful in modern times, particularly for military interpreters, and that such courses should be included in the curriculum for future military interpreters.

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