General
butter bar
What does butter bar mean?
The freshest officer in the room. A second lieutenant wears a single gold bar that looks like a pat of butter, hence the nickname. Carries the implication that they outrank you on paper but don't know what they're doing yet, so the salty NCOs are quietly running the show.
"Some butter bar just rolled in trying to tell the platoon sergeant how to do his job."
Frequently asked questions
What does "butter bar" mean in the military?
A butter bar is a brand-new second lieutenant, named for the single gold bar worn on the collar.
Where does "butter bar" come from?
The nickname comes from the second lieutenant's rank insignia — a single gold bar the color of butter.
Is "butter bar" an insult?
It's teasing shorthand for a green, newly commissioned officer, usually used lightheartedly by more experienced troops.
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