James GleickI don't like the expression "boots on the ground.” When did that start? There will be men and women in those boots, and some will die.
Alfie Kohn"Regime change" is similarly euphemistic.
Barbara Monaco@gleick I looked it up. Not really surprised to find it was first used during the Iran hostage crisis 1979-1981. It's a deceptive use of military jargon, as the US always has "boots on the ground" at
about 800 bases in 80 countries. It dwarfs the military presence of any other nation in history.
It's also a sickening euphemism for putting troops in harm's way. People will die.
about 800 bases in 80 countries. It dwarfs the military presence of any other nation in history.
It's also a sickening euphemism for putting troops in harm's way. People will die.
George Girton@gleick Monsieur le Chat gives this chronology:
🍸😺
In short
• Origin (as a phrase): ~1950s–60s (military slang)
• Broader recognition: 1990s
• Mainstream/common usage: 2000s onward
Jesse Sheidlower@gleick
OED has this from 1990, but the context suggests it was already a set expression at that time.
OED has this from 1990, but the context suggests it was already a set expression at that time.
Jay Elbey