General
wingnut
What does wingnut mean?
Slang for an airman, jokingly linked to the wing-shaped chevrons of a junior enlisted airman.
"A couple of wingnuts fixed the avionics overnight."
Origin
Inter-service slang; play on 'wing' insignia and the hardware 'wingnut.'
Frequently asked questions
What is a "wingnut" in the military?
It is slang for a U.S. Air Force airman, playing on the wing-shaped chevrons of junior enlisted airmen.
Why the name "wingnut"?
It is a pun on the "wing" insignia and the hardware fastener called a wingnut.
Is it an insult?
It is inter-service ribbing — teasing rather than seriously offensive.
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