General
leg
What does leg mean?
A soldier who is not airborne-qualified, used by paratroopers to distinguish those who have not earned their jump wings. Also rendered as the backronym 'Low Energy Grunt.'
"The airborne guys razz the legs at every opportunity."
Origin
US Army slang, from paratroopers looking down on 'straight-leg' infantry.
Frequently asked questions
What is a 'leg' in the Army?
A soldier who is not airborne-qualified — one who hasn't earned jump wings.
Why do paratroopers call others 'legs'?
It's a mild put-down from airborne troops toward 'straight-leg' infantry who walk or ride into the fight rather than jumping in.
Is there a joke backronym for 'leg'?
Yes — paratroopers sometimes gloss it as 'Low Energy Grunt.'
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