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General

house mouse

What does house mouse mean?

A recruit assigned to clean and run errands in the drill instructors' offices and quarters.

"The house mouse kept the DI hut spotless."

Origin

U.S. Marine Corps recruit-training slang.

Frequently asked questions

What is a 'house mouse' in recruit training?
A recruit assigned to clean and run errands in the drill instructors' offices and quarters, keeping their spaces spotless.
Is being a house mouse good or bad?
It's a mixed job — it means close proximity to the DIs and their scrutiny, but it can also mark a recruit as trusted and squared away.
Which branch uses 'house mouse'?
It's associated with U.S. Marine Corps recruit training.
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Slang definitions: FreeDict original editorial.