Andrew Zhao
Questions about "boiler suit" "jump suit" and "camouflage". 1. Is "boiler suit" the same as "jump suit"? 2. Why is called "boiler suit", is there something related to "boil"? But how to explain "jump" in "jump suit"? 3. "Camouflage fatigue" is a kind of military uniform, I know it. "Camouflage" means "disguise", makes sense, but why is "fatigue", which means "tired", how to explain? Thank you. Andrew.
Apr 1, 2015 2:59 AM
Answers · 2
1
'Jumpsuit', as the name suggests, originates from the close fitting all in one garment worn by military parachutists (hence the 'jump'). A boilersuit is a similar garment, but less tight fitting, worn as work clothing. Why 'boiler' suit? Possiby the first workers to wear such a garment were the stokers who shovelled coal into boiler to power ships or factories. That has to be one of the dirtiest jobs around, so they would certainly want protective clothing. Other names for similar garments, are 'coverall' (American English). As the name suggests, it is intended to cover all of a workers ordinary clothes to keep them clean. Overalls are similar but leave the arms and shoulders exposed. 'fatigues' as an item of clothing for military personnel is a distinctly American term - to describe the uniform worn in battle (or training) as opposed to the dress uniform worn on parade and for ceremonial occasions. All armies have a similar uniform, but I think only American's call them 'fatigues' - not sure why. We certainly don't use that term in the Australian Army (and neither do the British, I am fairly sure). The type of camouflage will vary depending on where the soldiers are deployed. When our soldiers went to Vietnam, their battle dress was green - and the uniform itself was commonly called "jungle greens". Once we started sending soldiers to places like Afghanistan and Iraq we developed desert coloured camouflage patterned uniforms. And of course the Nordic countries have white camouflage for minimising visibility in the snow. An interesting question! Hope this helps.
April 1, 2015
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