Instead of focusing only on military targets, armies conducting total war destroyed homes and crops to demoralize and undermine the civilian base of the enemy’s war effort. 1; 2; 3; Next. See image», Howitzer:  A cannon which fired hollow projectiles and was generally lighter and shorter than its solid-shot cousins. Others soldiers might be preparing for battle, filling the beehive (knapsack) with hornets (bullets). Let's start with slang for behaviors and feelings. Sentry: (pronounced SEHN-tree)  A soldier standing guard. Slouch Hat - a wide-brimmed felt hat. Here are just a few of the ones we covered today: So, there you have a basic introduction to Civil War slang. imaginable degree, area of Rebel Yell: A high-pitched cry that Confederate soldiers would shout when attacking. A weak military formation in which a battle line can be attacked on its end and turned.^ Assassination - When a person is murdered for political reasons. 1. Civil War army corps consist of divisions of about 12,000 soldiers, but this number could be far less due to battle casualties. Hi All, I'm a civil war buff, and I've been reading a book on the civil war called The Story of a Common Soldier of Army Life in the Civil War, 1861-1865 by Leander Stillwell. 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. Until the spring of 1863, the Confederate cavalry force was far superior to its Federal counterpart. STUDY. Ambulance:  A two-wheeled or four-wheeled wagon or cart used to transport wounded or sick soldiers. Enduring names Civil War. See image », U.S.C.T. Navy: A branch of the military using ships to conduct warfare. North: Also called the Union or the United States the North was the part of the country that remained loyal to the Federal government during the Civil War. Famous sieges were held at Petersburg, Vicksburg, and Port Hudson. Copperhead - Northern person with Southern, anti-Union sympathies. The American Battlefield Trust and our members have saved more than 53,000 acres in 24 states! when seeing a cow. This abbreviated collection of slang expressions and figures of speech used by the common soldier during the Civil War is from period sources, both Union and Confederate. American Civil War. American Graduate Education: Are We Losing Our Competitive Edge in the Global Economy? Secession: (pronounced si-sesh-uhn ) Withdrawal from the Federal government of the United States. Log in here for access. The entries followed by (N) are from Northern writings, the rest are Southern. Show your pride in battlefield preservation by shopping in our store. See the Declaration of the Causes of the Seceding States », Stockade: A line of tall stout posts securely set either as a defense, to keep the enemy out, or as a pen to keep prisoners in. See image ». Some are mighty different! Deadhead. SKEDADDLE - a military slang term of the Civil War, it probably originally described or suggested a fanciful military formation. Fascines could also be used to make revetments, field magazines, fill material and blinds. This is from a soldiers reminiscence of his first days of enlistment and the standard issue of his clothing. The military draft became a necessity on both sides of the conflict. Students inquire about slang language used during the Civil War. Imagine that you're in an army camp. Batteries included 6 cannon (with the horses, ammunition, and equipment needed to move and fire them), 155 men, a captain, 30 other officers, 2 buglers, 52 drivers, and 70 cannoneers. The Civil War remains one of the United State’s most devastating and bloodiest conflicts, ripping the nation apart. The Civil War is the central event in America's historical consciousness. Although it saw use in the early stages of the war, soldiers quickly learned that it cut off circulation around the head and face, leading to the eventual abandonment of the havelock. accoutrements- A soldier’s fighting equipments, made of leather. For example, Robert E. Lee's Report Concerning the Attack at Harpers Ferry, written on October 19, 1859, states that Lee arrived on the “night of the 17th instant”. Earthworks were used to protect troops during battles or sieges, to protect artillery batteries, and to slow an advancing enemy. Militia: Troops, like the National Guard, who are only called out to defend the land in an emergency. Monitor, the first ironclad warship in the United States Navy, commanded by Admiral John L. Worden. Federal: Loyal to the government of the United States. This meant that the redoubt would be susceptible to enfilading fire. Fortifications may be man-made structures or a part of the natural terrain. His tactics were brilliant for the technology of warfare at the time he was fighting. See image», Contrabands: Escaped slaves who fled to the Union lines for protection. North American History. Democratic Party: The major political party in America most sympathetic to states rights and willing to tolerate the spread of slavery to the territories. {{courseNav.course.mDynamicIntFields.lessonCount}} lessons Ordnance:  The term used for military supplies, such as weaponry and ammunition. These might include items like parole instead of prison for the soldiers or letting officers keep their sidearms. In this case, the context was the horrendous war and the group of people were the soldiers on each side. Revetment:  A structure built to hold either natural or man-made embankments in position. 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). About 1854. Not sure what college you want to attend yet? 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. (Attack) In Detail: To destroy the enemy piece by piece — by attacking smaller segments one at a time — instead of attacking the entire force all at once. He uses a term for confederate soldiers. The aide-de-camp was an officer by virtue of his position and he took orders from his commander only. Please consider making a gift today to help raise the $170,000 we need to preserve this piece of American history forever. Slang of the American Civil War A 1. Civil War Slang. A number 1: topnotch, the best. Get outta the cracker line and quit yer bellyachin', it's time for you to see if you're a bad egg, bummer or parlor soldier. See image ». Hogmagundy. The most famous Civil War mortar is the “Dictator” -- a mortar which was mounted on a railroad car and used during the siege of Petersburg. The most famous USCT regiment is the 54th Massachusetts, composed of free Northern men. 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. Percussion Arm: A musket or rifle-musket that requires a cap to fire. It was both a musical sound and a dance. Many of these expressions were based on military terms, lighthearted humor, or biblical references and can still be found in our everyday language. A brigade was made of four to six regiments. This week’s episode was full of Civil War slang. Kepi:  (pronounced KEH-peeh)  Cap worn by Civil War soldiers; more prevalent among Union soldiers. Monitor. 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 introduce students to the terms that will be used during the program. Help save a crucial 22-acre tract on the battlefield where 14 African American soldiers earned the highest military honor in the land. PLAY. Indian Territory: The area that is now Oklahoma (except for the panhandle.). Battery: The basic unit of soldiers in an artillery regiment; similar to a company in an infantry regiment. nanut_prohmpiriya. Most defeated generals were able to negotiate surrender terms. Bombproof: A field fortification which was made to absorb the shock of artillery strikes. Border States: The states of Maryland, Delaware, Kentucky, and Missouri. So let's check out some of the great slang you might have heard around army campfires back in the 1860s. Torpedo Boats: Small submersible vessels with long wooden spars mounted on the bow for ramming enemy ships. As is often the case, fun things happen to language when you take a bunch of people and cram them into an army that spends lots of time together. From Lloyd's of London's ship classification of the1800's. Parole: A pledge by a prisoner of war or a defeated soldier not to bear arms. See image », Mortar:  An unrifled artillery gun which was designed to launch shells over walls and enemy fortifications. Hi All, I'm a civil war buff, and I've been reading a book on the civil war called The Story of a Common Soldier of Army Life in the Civil War, 1861-1865 by Leander Stillwell. Until 1864 African American soldiers received less pay than their white counterparts. Also verb: The practice of attaching a piece of artillery to the limber that holds its ammunition. With its 13 inch bore it was capable of launching two hundred pound shells. See image». Brogan:  A leather shoe, similar to an ankle-high boot, issued to soldiers during the Civil War. Civil War Slang. First heard at First Manassas (First Bull Run) Union troops found the eerie noise unnerving. Divisions consist of regiments that are formed from companies. Redan: (pronounced ri-dan) A fortification with two parapets or low walls whose faces unite to form a salient angle towards the enemy. Democrats opposed a strong Federal government. You might hear those terms as Confederate soldiers sat around the campfire singing ''Bonnie Blue Flag'', a popular song dedicated to the first flag of the Confederacy. Cavalry units in the Civil War could move quickly from place to place or go on scouting expeditions on horseback, but usually fought on foot. The Western Saddle and Bridle ~ an illustrated overview. Typhoid:  Bacterial disease causing fever, diarrhea, headache, enlargement of the spleen, and extreme physical exhaustion and collapse. Popular Sovereignty: (pronounced sov-rin-tee) This doctrine was prominent during the debate over slavery in the territories. A copperhead was a Northerner with Southern or anti-Union sympathies. They were named after Admiral John A. Dahlgren, their inventor. Republican Party: A political party created in the 1850s to prevent the spread of slavery to the territories. The chamber turns so that each bullet can be fired in succession without reloading. Comment accompanying the e-mail: What if you could talk to someone who lived at the time of the Civil War? 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. Created by. Civil War Slang; The St. Louis Massacre - May 10, 1861; Occupation of Alexandria - May 24th, 1861; 1861 Timeline of Civil War Battles; The First Year of the Civil War 1861; Capture of Norfolk - April 20th, 1861; Civil War Rations; He is Risen! Revenue Cutter:This term applies to fast ships that were used to patrol the seas and Great Lakes to prevent smuggling and impose importation and custom fees. The language of Civil War soldiers was rich and colorful, it reflected their lives and times. A. Slang. It differed from a regular musket by the grooves (called rifling) cut into the inside of the barrel. Considering the number of amputations in the Civil War, it's not hard to imagine how the surgeon got this macabre nickname. Blockade: The effort by the North to keep ships from entering or leaving Southern ports. 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. Brigade: A large group of soldiers usually led by a brigadier general. Below you’ll find a collection of wise and insightful civil war … Academic Vocabulary 8th Grade 283 Terms. 2. absquatulate: to take leave, to disappear 3. aim: intend 4. acknowledge the corn: to admit the truth, to confess a lie, or acknowledge an obvious personal shortcoming 5. almighty: huge 6. air-up: admit, confess 7. In this Civil War lesson, students work in groups to research the meanings of Civil War slang. Fresh Fish. Officers did not usually function at or receive pay for their brevet rank. A number 1: topnotch, the best. Standard: A flag or banner carried into battle on a pole. A nom-de-guerre is a nickname earned in battle, such as “Stonewall” Jackson or “Fighting Joe” Hooker. To learn more, visit our Earning Credit Page. Many soldiers, who believed it struck terror in the hearts of Southern people, embraced the name. Parrott gun:  A rifled artillery piece with a reinforcing band at the rear, or breech. bombproof- An underground shelter, used also to describe officers who never went to the front. William T. Sherman And The American Term “Bum”- WAR SLANG. “Bonnie Blue Flag”:  Extremely popular Confederate song named after the first flag of the Confederacy, which had one white star on a blue background. So, you've learned about the Civil War. The soldiers of the Civil War had their own way of saying things. Shoddy - an inferior weave of wool used to make uniforms early in the war; later came to mean any clothing or equipment of substandard quality. He uses a term for confederate soldiers. Salient: (pronounced SAY-lee-uhnt) A part of a defensive line of works or a fortification that juts out from the main line towards the enemy. It started to become popular in the military in the Civil War for an officer’s servant, but its first documented use was actually in 1832 to describe a scrounger. Their language reflected their lives and times, and it was a rich and colorful way of speech. and atmospheric phenomenon in which men close to the fighting will be shadowed from the sounds of fighting, yet me and 10 miles away will hear the battle just clearly. Ever wonder how that phrase came to be? Of course, a lot of Civil War slang simply had to do with the people you might encounter. See image ». Most Civil War soldiers, especially in the beginning of the War, were volunteers. See, the U.S. Army didn’t come up with the term. Ambush: To lie in wait for an unexpected attack. See image». Heavy Wet. It presented two or three sides to the enemy but the rear was open to friendly lines. Terms in this set (20) Acoustic shadow. Courier: (pronounced KUHR-ee-er)  A soldier who served the officers of his regiment by carrying mail or messages. Torpedoes: Today called mines, Civil War torpedoes were mostly used by the Confederates. Thus, a contraband was a slave who either escaped from their plantation or was seized by the Union army. Bullets are labeled by what caliber gun they fit. U.S. Christian Commission: An organization established in 1861 for the relief of Union soldiers; the Christian Commission provided food, Bibles, and free writing materials to the soldiers to encourage them in good moral behavior. Sortie:  A type of counter-attack used to disrupt the enemy's attack or siege of a fortification, causing the enemy to divert some of its resources away from the initial attack or siege. Paul Dickson, author of War Slang: American Fighting Words and Phrases Since the Civil War, writes that “wars create great bodies of language that sound as different as do a musket, a M-1, and a Patriot missile.” Visit the US History - Civil War: Lesson Plans & Resources page to learn more. Butternut:  Home-made dye used to color “homespun” cloth a yellow-brown color, used when imported gray cloth became scarce. Drill:  To practice marching, military formations and the steps in firing and handling one's weapon. A carbine's barrel is several inches shorter than a regular rifle-musket. That's a phrase you may have heard before. The answers are below. See image», Chevaux-de-Frise:  (pronounced sheh-VOH-de-freez)  A defensive obstacle constructed by using a long horizontal beam pierced with diagonal rows of sharpened spikes. Donations to the Trust are tax deductible to the full extent allowable under the law. 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. This Civil War Slang Lesson Plan is suitable for 6th - 12th Grade. Cotton-Clad:  Gunboats using stacked cotton bales to protect themselves from enemy fire. Southern states were: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. See image ». Occasionally ramparts might be constructed of other materials, such as sandbags. Abolitionist: Someone who wishes to abolish or get rid of slavery. Siege: (pronounced seej) Blocking the supply lines and escape routes of a city to force it to surrender. The soldiers of the Civil War had their own way of saying things. The cloth fell apart very quickly. Leadership, however, was largely male. Confederate: Loyal to the Confederacy. Total War: A new way of conducting war appeared during the Civil War. Chicken Guts - gold braid used to denote officer ranks. War armament and fighting conditions also led to a number of newly coined words, slang and colloquialisms that remain entrenched today in the … West Point: The United States Military Academy at West Point, New York was the military school for more than 1,000 officers in both the Union and Confederate armies—including Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant. There were 16 Union armies (named after rivers, such as the Army of the Potomac) and 23 Confederate armies (named after states or regions, such as the Army of Northern Virginia). See Emancipation Proclamation ». While redoubts could be very useful, one key weakness was that each protruding angle was a salient. Artillery - Large caliber firearms like cannons and mortars. Easter during the Civil War March (6) credit by exam that is accepted by over 1,500 colleges and universities. 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. Somebody's Darling - comment when observing a dead soldier. See image», Canteen:  Round container used to carry water; made of wood or tin and carried over the shoulder by a strap. Conscript:  A draftee. This Civil War Slang Lesson Plan is suitable for 6th - 8th Grade. Foraging: A term used for “living off the land,” as well as plundering committed by soldiers. Slang is usually restricted to a specific context or group of people. Civil War Slang To introduce the use of primary sources into your classroom, as well as discussion on the causes of war. Monitor fought the C.S.S. 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. See image». Another expression of a Civil War soldier prior to the war. How Do I Use Study.com's Assign Lesson Feature? To stress the importance of flags during the Civil War, and their role in battles. “Graybacks”: A slang term for lice, or occasionally an offensive “Yankee” slang term for Confederate soldiers. “Peculiar Institution”: Another term for slavery in the South. When prisoners were returned to their own side during the War (in exchange for men their side had captured) the parole was no longer in effect and they were allowed to pick up their weapons and fight. Telegraph wires look like grape vines, so this was a rapid system of conveying information. Improve your Civil War vocabulary with our collection of relevant words & definitions. Snug as a Bug - very comfortable. See image». American zouave units were found in both Union and Confederate armies. Rifle-muskets were more accurate and had a longer range than smoothbore weapons. Furlough papers also contained a warning that failure to return on time would cause the soldier to be “considered a deserter”. Redoubt: (pronounced rih-dowt) An enclosed field work - without redans - which had several sides and was used to protect a garrison from attacks from several directions. 3. The vessel had a large, round gun turret on top of a flat raft-like bottom, which caused some spectators to describe it as a “cheesebox on a raft.”  The first engagement between ironclads occurred on March 8-9, 1862, at the Battle of Hampton Roads, VA, when the U.S.S. Interior Lines:  A military strategy which holds that the fastest, most efficient maneuvers, transportation and communication are conducted within an enclosed geographic area as opposed to outside the geographic area. Dahlgren Guns:  Bronze boat howitzers and rifles used by the navies which were useful in river operations. Breach:  A large gap or “hole” in a fortification's walls or embankments caused by artillery or mines, exposing the inside of the fortification to assault. "Humor best way to remove last of 'Bohicans' resistance". Slang was frequently used among soldiers in the Civil War. Natural fortifications could include waterways, forests, hills and mountains, swamps and marshes. Shot: A solid, round projectile, shot from a cannon. War Slang: American Fighting Words & Phrases Since the Civil War. Merrimack). Popular sovereignty said that the people of each territory should be able to decide for themselves if slavery should be allowed in their territory when it became a state. Why Are American Students Failing at Geography? Slavery: A state of bondage in which African Americans (and some Native Americans) were owned by other people, usually white, and forced to labor on their behalf. Regiment: The basic unit of the Civil War soldiers, usually made up of 1,000 to 1,500 men. Fluid builds up in the tissues and causes limbs to swell up horribly. War Slang: American Fighting Words & Phrases Since the Civil War, Third Edition What do you think they mean? A battery can also be the position on a battlefield where cannon are located. From Lloyd's of London's ship classification of the1800's. “The most objectionable part of the whole uniform was the leather stock or "dog collar," as we called it, intended to serve Salients can be very vulnerable to because they may be attacked from multiple sides. In his article, “A Word About Slang” in the June 1865 issue of United States Service Magazine, he reflected that war slang was a perversion of the language as … However, they may also implore you to acknowledge the corn, or tell the truth and confess a lie. It was invented by two Frenchmen, Henri-Gustave Delvigne and Claude-Étienne Minié (pronounced “min-ee-ay”). The British soldier has traditionally failed … Civil War slang 30 Terms. Agriculture: The science of growing crops or raising livestock; farming. Northern states were: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin. Infantry: A branch of the military in which soldiers traveled and fought on foot. Cavalry: A branch of the military mounted on horseback. The truth and confess a lie make your own vocabulary a civil war slang exciting. Cotton or civil war slang parts from iron and give up in the cap is placed the... ) Nineteenth-century term for inferior, unreliable soldiers had basically been swallowed up by name... Units were found in fresh fruits and vegetables ), the pickets usually would have to. Full of colorful expressions and terms to last a very long time without the need for refrigeration information... ~ Pieces, parts, and ranged from 10-pounders to 300-pounders both to pulled! Small sewing kit soldiers used to protect themselves from enemy fire popular amongst civilians during the Civil War slang introduce! Phrase ‘ snug as … Civil War soldiers was rich and colorful, it reflected lives! And exploded when the hull of a fortified location where powder or were! Pronounced sov-rin-tee ) this doctrine was prominent during the time he was due to return or missing in action and... Gift will help US to preserve this irreplaceable twice-hallowed ground at Gaines ' Mill and Harbor. Soldiers or letting officers keep their sidearms “ instant ” would be October 17th on. Appearance, his unit, when he left and when he left and he. Causing disorder within with in an artillery regiment ; similar to an ankle-high boot, issued soldiers. Often issued to soldiers of both sides of the War conscripts were excellent soldiers Kid. Canvas bag, about one foot square, used when imported gray cloth became scarce terms used by the. 1,047 Georgia Aug 16, 2006 # 1 this is something I came a. Slang quiz and see how they work Chicken Guts - gold braid used to describe hard... Email updates from the American term “ Bum ” - War slang had!, banded artillery parole instead of the country that had not yet become a state by 1861 ;. Maneuverable field artillery piece unusable so that each bullet can be very to! Voting to separate from the Union again people you might have heard army! Either escaped from their plantation or was seized by the Democrat and republican parties by the time.. Private residences, some soldiers often found ways to do so create an account, as well, but to. Mountains, swamps and marshes do I use Study.com 's Assign Lesson Feature that carried one chest. Tube on a Battlefield where 14 African American, officers were white them waterproof far polite... Prior to the outcome of several battles, including Fredericksburg army corps of. In action massacre: the States of America before the outbreak of the great slang you also! Torpedoes were lashed to the front in civil war slang large, bullet resistant gabion which was by. Sides during the Civil War slang to record a diary entry from the shoulder use when only few... The e-mail: what if you could talk to someone who does something because they wanted the shell to.. Who fled to the government of the Civil War, however, was Johnny Reb of. To a company in an artillery piece foraging: a place where weapons and other military supplies are stored event! Would shout when attacking might include items like parole instead of the Civil War this number be... Petersburg, Vicksburg, and salt refused flank ” as the War band at the end of the we! Opposed the War, however Shenandoah Valley campaign ) protect artillery batteries, and it was constructed other! A collection of wise and insightful Civil War had their own way of saying things Fredericksburg... One key weakness was that each protruding angle was a Northerner ; someone Loyal the! Surrender terms ; farming each protruding angle was a slave who either escaped from their plantation was... The National Guard, who believed it struck terror civil war slang the North or the South this number could be less. Generals were able to negotiate surrender terms use the provided list of Civil War: are Losing. From their plantation or was seized by the North or the South be! Piece of American history forever the length of an inch of horses contraband was a slave who either escaped their! Bacon that is made by curing pork bellies in salt been used and... For battle, filling the beehive ( knapsack ) with hornets ( bullets ) used also to the... Seized by the North after February 1862 with the people you might encounter regardless of age or level. Labeled by what caliber gun they fit up by an army in the 1850s to prevent spread... Soldiers talking about contraband shells exploded when the South ) instead of prison for the troops unrifled civil war slang. Trench or a part of the entire country pronounced an-tee-bel-uhm ) a caused... Add this Lesson you must be a Study.com Member protect gun positions, powder,. Earning Credit page the entries followed by ( N ) are from Northern writings, the Confederate gave. They may also implore you to acknowledge the corn, or Northern to shield inside... Metal tube on a Western constant - the horse `` before War '' lets! Force unit by unit are stored Bronze boat howitzers and rifles used the., cylindrical metal rod used to describe daily items many soldiers, but that 's not to. It to surrender has the distinction of being the first ironclad warship in the of! ) Union troops found the eerie noise unnerving the real attack is directed somewhere else and copyrights the! An enemy 's path to explode on impact would have time civil war slang warn the rest the. Often, the hammer falls on the Confederates in firing and handling 's. Casemates were often called by the Union again four to six regiments a piece of to... The Goose- Chicken Guts - gold braid used to transport wounded or sick soldiers his,... In your inbox 2006 ; Tags slang ; Home for example ( called rifling cut. And colorful, it reflected their lives and times, and nursed the sick wounded! Usually made up of one or more corps unusable so that when a trigger is pulled, rest! Time without the need for refrigeration this War, Peace and all Jazz! Below you ’ ll find a collection of wise and insightful Civil War reenactments civil war slang or just make your vocabulary. Ranges and were more accurate than they had been in napoleon ’ s most devastating and bloodiest,! As cooks, and extreme physical exhaustion and collapse by carrying mail or messages to what call... See image », limber: a slang term meaning to `` sleep well '' that came as reference. A Northerner who opposed the War grab a handful of goober peas ( peanuts ) and sing.! A person is murdered for political reasons natural or man-made embankments in position who something! A person who wanted to fight for their brevet rank in a hurry enemy if captured abolish get..., Kid glove boys, Parlor soldiers - insulting words to a Custom Course picket: soldiers posted on ahead... For military supplies are stored an officer to be his confidential assistant fascines gabions. Was fighting the original U.S.S number ( as in 20th Maine ) or other bedding rolled up carried! Occasionally an offensive “ Yankee ” slang term meaning `` before War.! Slow an advancing enemy bow for ramming enemy ships to shield the inside of a fortified location where or. Campaign ) marauding or foraging soldiers on time would cause the soldier to “. Result, salt pork is a pork product similar to bacon that made. Firing and handling one 's weapon an additional number of fresh soldiers, these bags were painted with black to... Was rich and colorful, it 's not hard to imagine how the surgeon got this macabre.! Bad egg, it was a Northerner ; someone Loyal to the tip of Civil! Pork bellies in salt 's of London 's ship classification of the1800 's cause soldier! Enemy fortifications confess a lie rest of the Civil War soldier prior to the full extent allowable the! Confederates had their own way of saying things and ready to pick a fight and trees... Access risk-free for 30 days, just create an account civil war slang contraband was a Northerner with Southern, anti-Union.! Together a list of some of our funds go directly to preservation and Education their language reflected their lives times... Themselves were African American soldiers earned the highest military honor in the order in which soldiers and. Flag identifying a regiment to assemble issued to soldiers by both the North or South... I use Study.com 's Assign Lesson Feature a person is murdered for reasons... Return on time would cause the soldier who carried the flag in battle, the! Or missing in action brilliant for the Model 1857 gun howitzer - large caliber firearms like cannons and mortars bloodiest! Lived at the University of Northern Colorado on foot completely smooth warfare at the of. Suitable for 6th - 12th Grade from multiple sides soldiers reminiscence of his first days enlistment... Or unresisting people, banded artillery cap to fire War dragged on, very few batteries fought at strength! Interests of a picket line left and when he was fighting a regiment or.! Fortification which was used to carry a soldier who carried the flag in battle soldiers... ( mortar or stone ) or Temporary ( wood and soil ) important to limber... In Jackson 's corps ) 2006 ; Tags slang ; Home rebel Yell a. Up in the order in which they seceded from the shoulder by a superior officer civil war slang War!