No names, no pack drill
Image courtesy Wikimedia Commons
This expression, often to be heard in our house, originated in the British army. It was first recorded in 1903.
Pack drill was a punishment for offenders which entailed marching in full uniform carrying a heavy pack of equipment. It was a common form of discipline in the nineteenth century army and was first recorded in 1903.
‘Boots – boots- boots- boots - movin’ up and down again’
Rudyard Kipling 1869-1936
The phrase carries the meaning that when a misdemeanour has been committed no-one can be punished if the miscreant has not been named.
In general humorous use, it is used as advice to abandon a subject or discussion so that further difficulties can be avoided. I suppose it could be superseded in some circumstances by, ‘Mind your own business.’
The phrase sprang to mind when I read the following on Facebook:
It’s frightful that people who are so ignorant should have so
much influence.
George Orwell 1903-1950
Sing it with me. Those were made for packin. 🎶 😀
ReplyDeleteI have never heard that phrase. I am trying to come up with a comparable phrase for the US military and cannot. I will think some more.
ReplyDeleteUncanny how prescient Orwell was about current US events.
ReplyDeletein Australia Army boots were known as GPs, (general purpose boots) and I somehow thought it would be the same everywhere. I remember the hours spent shining those toecaps! Not me of course, I left that to the wearer of the GPs.
ReplyDeleteThe image reminded me of the footwear I used to wear in school as part of my uniform. The shoe had to shine so much so that our reflection could be seen on it!
ReplyDeleteGeorge Orwell was right.
ReplyDeleteI still hear that phrase in use today, but only by those of mature years (like us) 😉
ReplyDeleteMy education continues day after day. I had previously never heard of "No names, no pack drill".
ReplyDeleteI'm not familiar with the phrase.
ReplyDelete