The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #132499   Message #4052027
Posted By: Charmion
12-May-20 - 09:52 AM
Thread Name: BS: Language Pet Peeves
Subject: RE: BS: Language Pet Peeves
Okay, Donuel, now it's your turn.

The armed yahoos you referred to as "citizen soldiers" are neither militia nor soldiers; they're wannabe Rambos who lack the discipline and good will to get through boot camp in the flipping National Guard.

The expression "citizen soldier" was coined in Britain early in the 20th century to get people used to the idea of the Territorial Army. Here's an example: "Working and Shirking" by Bernard Partidge

It means a Reservist, a person with a civilian job, or perhaps a student, who is also a signed-up, sworn-in member of the Army and subject to its discipline. A true citizen soldier would find himself in a heap of trouble if he pulled an idiot stunt like that demonstration in Michigan.