General
fobbit
What does fobbit mean?
A soldier who stays inside the wire of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) and does not go outside on missions, implying they have not seen real combat.
"He talks a big game for a fobbit who's never left the chow hall."
Origin
US military, Iraq/Afghanistan era; a portmanteau of FOB and Tolkien's 'Hobbit,' a creature that dislikes leaving home.
Frequently asked questions
What is a fobbit?
A service member who stays inside the wire of a Forward Operating Base (FOB) and doesn't go out on missions, implying they haven't seen real combat.
Where does the word 'fobbit' come from?
It's Iraq/Afghanistan-era US military slang — a blend of 'FOB' (Forward Operating Base) and Tolkien's 'Hobbit,' a creature that hates leaving home.
Is 'fobbit' an insult?
It's mildly derogatory, ribbing someone as safe and soft rather than a serious slur.
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