Buck privates - Definition & Meaning

The term “buck privates” is often used in the military context. It refers to the lowest rank of enlisted personnel in the US Army, which is the Private E-1. However, the term has evolved to have a broader meaning and associations beyond just the military.

Contents

Definitions
Origin
Meaning in different dictionaries
Associations
Synonyms
Antonyms
The same root words
Example Sentences

Definitions

As mentioned, “buck privates” refers to the lowest rank in the US Army. However, the term has also come to mean any inexperienced or untrained individual, particularly in a group or organization. It can also be used to describe someone who is easily fooled or taken advantage of.

Origin

The term “buck private” has been in use since the early 1900s. The word “buck” was a slang term for a young male, and “private” referred to the lowest rank in the military. The term “buck private” was first recorded in print in 1918, during World War I.

Meaning in different dictionaries

In the Merriam-Webster dictionary, “buck private” is defined as “a private in the army or marine corps of the lowest rank.” The Oxford English Dictionary also defines it as “a private soldier of the lowest rank.”

Associations

The term “buck privates” is often associated with the military, particularly with World War II. There was even a popular comedy film in 1941 called “Buck Privates,” which starred Bud Abbott and Lou Costello. However, the term has also been used in a broader sense to describe inexperienced or untrained individuals, particularly in a group or organization.

Synonyms

Some synonyms for “buck privates” include: rookie, novice, greenhorn, newcomer, trainee, and apprentice.

Antonyms

Some antonyms for “buck privates” include: veteran, expert, professional, and skilled.

The same root words

The word “buck” in “buck privates” comes from the Old English word “bucc,” which meant “male deer.” The word “private” comes from the Latin “privatus,” which means “belonging to oneself.”