Many want to be fighter pilots.  Those who can’t sometimes dress up like fighter pilots.  (Usher, anyone?)  Those who can’t do that will still try to talk like fighter pilots, who sometimes seem to have a lingo all their own.  The fighter pilot “language” is a tradition probably dating back to the Wright brothers, but it never gets old.  For example:

A shoe clerk is a pejorative term sometimes used by pilots to describe non-aviators.  It is generally reserved for those who attempt to assert the importance of their non-flying expertise in order to assume an air of superiority over an Air Force aviator.

See also shoe flag.

Learn more Fighter Pilot Speak — or maybe read about why you shouldn’t.

This addition was suggested by a ChristianFighterPilot.com reader.  If you have terms you think should be added, use the contact page (or comment below).