No names, no pack drill
Image courtesy Wikimedia Commons
This expression, often to be heard in our house, originated in the British army.
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 I suppose it could be superseded in some circumstances by, ‘Mind your own business.’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. 🎶 😀
ReplyDelete🤣😂
DeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteMilitary slang doesn't always translate across the globe. I'll be interested to learn what you come up with.
DeleteUncanny how prescient Orwell was about current US events.
ReplyDeleteA man ahead of his time in so many ways.
DeleteOur book club just read and discussed 1984 yesterday. All agreed it was a difficult book to read and discussion was lively, especially since one of ouor members has been a Trump supporter all along. Some of us agreed after she left that her stance seems to be softening.
Deletein 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.
ReplyDeletePolishing in little circles . . .
DeleteThe 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!
ReplyDeleteA lot of effort, but you did look smart.
DeleteGeorge Orwell was right.
ReplyDeleteFrequently!
DeleteI still hear that phrase in use today, but only by those of mature years (like us) 😉
ReplyDeleteShock! Horror! What are you suggesting, JayCee? No matter how long I live, I fear I will never be mature.
DeleteMy education continues day after day. I had previously never heard of "No names, no pack drill".
ReplyDeleteIt is old-fashioned and quaint, just like me. 😉🤣😂
DeleteI'm not familiar with the phrase.
ReplyDeleteI think it's UK slang.
DeleteI never heard that expression. The only army boots taunt I every recall was "Your mother wears Army boots!"
ReplyDeleteThat Orwell comment is America today!
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard that one. Suggestions of a camp follower?
ReplyDeleteI don't know this expression from Kipling, but I very much agree to the one of George Owell !
ReplyDeleteSo true.
ReplyDeleteNice boots.
George Orwell knew what he was talking about.
ReplyDeleteI know nothing about the phrase that is the title of this piece but I certainly agree with Orwell.
ReplyDelete