General
snake eater
What does snake eater mean?
Slang for a Special Forces soldier, evoking their survival training and unconventional warfare role.
"The snake eaters trained the local militia for months."
Origin
U.S. Army; from Special Forces survival training (including eating snakes).
Frequently asked questions
What is a snake eater in the military?
It is slang for a U.S. Army Special Forces soldier, referencing their survival training and unconventional warfare role.
Why are Special Forces called snake eaters?
The nickname comes from survival training that can include catching and eating snakes and other wild food.
Is snake eater a compliment?
It is generally respectful or admiring slang acknowledging elite, hardcore training.
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