United States Military Academy Preparatory School - Slang and Sayings of USMAPS

Slang and Sayings of USMAPS

Just like West Point, the Prep School has its own jargon and idioms used by the CCs. But a word of caution: It will be well for the new cadet if he has seen these words and perhaps memorized some of them... He should never use such terms until he has heard them authoritatively employed, for he may well... reveal him to all as a student of the glossary.'- E.D.J. Waugh, author of West Point, 1944.

• "Because twelve grades just weren't enough.": used to describe how the Prep School is often seen as the "13th grade."

• "And you didn't get in direct?": often used as a sarcastic reply when one CC believes another CC is acting silly or ridiculous, meaning they can't understand why the Admissions Department didn't want them to come directly to the Academy.

• The Cats: Anyone known for various infractions are known as "cats" i.e. someone who violates TAPS regularly is considered a "TAPS cat", or anyone who breaks fraternization policies with a CC of the opposite gender would be called a "Frat Cat".

• The Q: officially the CQ desk, it stands for Charge of Quarters, where CCs are to field phone calls and make announcements for twelve or twenty-four hour shifts, depending on whether it is a duty or non-duty day.

• "The Bubble": The indoor field.

•"The Pit": The USMAPS football field where champions are made and opponents of USMAPS go to understand the overwhelming power of the USMAPS football team.