'Sir, yes, sir!' Attending the Naval Academy had been a lifelong dream. Then came a nightmare, six weeks known as 'Plebe Summer.' By Rob Hiaasen | Rob Hiaasen,Source: U.S. Naval Academy The ABC's of USNA jargon Acceptable plebe responses: "Yes/No, sir/ma'am," "No excuse, sir/ma'am" and "I'll find out, sir/ma'am." Bilge: To make someone look bad. "Never bilge a classmate." Bracing up: Exaggerated position of attention Chopping: Taking short, double-time steps (160-180 per minute). While squaring corners in Bancroft Hall, plebes sound off with a "spirited phrase" such as "Go Navy, sir!" Civvies: Civilian clothes Cover: A plebe's cap (also "dixie cup") Firstie: First Class, or senior I-Day: Induction Day Irish pennant: Dangling thread on a uniform Ladder: Any stairway Middies: "An odious term sometimes used by mothers and newspapers." Mother B: Bancroft Hall, one of the world's largest dormitories Passageway: Any hallway or corridor Plebe: Fourth Class or freshman Segundo: Second Class or junior Tecumseh: Bronze Indian head statue, also called "God of 2.0." Midshipmen toss pennies into its quiver for luck with grades. Youngster: Third Class or sophomore L Source: "Reef Points" and civilian companion, "Brief Points" Pub date: 5/20/97 SUN STAFF
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