General
six
What does six mean?
Slang from clock-position bearings meaning directly to the rear ('your six'); also used in callsigns where the numeral six denotes the commander of a unit.
""Watch my six — I think we're being followed.""
Origin
From the clock-code system where twelve is ahead and six is behind; the commander sense comes from standard callsign numbering.
Frequently asked questions
What does "watch my six" mean?
It means keep an eye on the area directly behind me, based on a clock where twelve o'clock is straight ahead and six o'clock is straight back.
Why does "six" also mean a commander?
In standard callsign numbering the numeral six is assigned to the commander of a unit, so "Six" can refer to that leader.
Where does "six" as a direction come from?
It comes from the clock-code system used to call out bearings, where positions are named by clock hours.
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Vocabulary Flow — saved to your collection.
