RAF slang
The Royal Air Force developed a distinctive slang which has been documented in works such as Piece of Cake and the Dictionary of RAF slang.[1]
The following is a comprehensive selection of slang terms and common abbreviations used by British Armed Forces from before World War II until the present day; less common abbreviations are not included.
Often common colloquial terms are used as well by airmen, as well as less savory ones. In addition some terms have come into common parlance such as "I pranged the car last night".
Other slang was used by British and Empire air forces. There were a number of codes used within the RAF, not now under the official secrets act, some of which are included.
It is followed by a list of nicknames of aircraft used by, or familiar to, the RAF.
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
Y
Z
Aircraft Nicknames
- Tonka" - Panavia Tornado.[2]
References
- Coleman, Julie (28 October 2010). A History of Cant and Slang Dictionaries: Volume IV: 1937-1984. OUP Oxford. p. 54. ISBN 978-0-19-956725-6.
- OPINION: Bidding a fond farewell to RAF's mighty Tonka, Flight International, 8 March 2019