General
deck
What does deck mean?
The floor or surface aboard ship, extended ashore to mean the ground or floor. As a verb, to punch or knock someone down with one blow.
"Get down on the deck and give me twenty."
Origin
US Navy and Marine slang, from the nautical term for a ship's floor.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'deck' mean in military slang?
It means the floor or ground. From the nautical term for a ship's floor, it's extended ashore so 'get on the deck' means get on the floor.
Does 'deck' also mean to hit someone?
Yes. As a verb, to 'deck' someone is to punch or knock them down with a single blow — literally putting them on the deck.
Where does 'deck' come from?
It's US Navy and Marine slang, carried over from the nautical word for a ship's floor.
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