Going commando

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For the video game, see Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando.

Going commando (or to go commando) is the practice of not wearing underwear under one's outer clothing. The phrase and phenomenon is often used in a declaratory way ("I'm goin' commando!"), particularly by women to covertly create a frisson of sexual excitement or amusement amongst friends, sexual partners, future sexual partners, etc. Modern Western social mores generally recognise "going commando" as a "playful" behavior (akin to a mild form of exhibitionism).[citation needed]

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[edit] Scope and synonyms

Going without underwear is said to have certain benefits. Dr. Caroline F. Pukall of Queens University states that going without underwear while sleeping can have significant benefits to the vulva.[1]

In Chile, the act of not wearing underwear has been called "andar a lo gringo" ("to go gringo-style") for decades.[2][3]

[edit] Earliest uses

Slate's Daniel Engber dates the modern usage to 1974 college campuses, where it was perhaps an outgrowth of the Vietnam War.[4]

The origins of the phrase are uncertain, with some speculating that it may refer to being "out in the open" or "ready for action." According to Engber many soldiers do go without underwear to "increase ventilation and reduce moisture." The earliest known use of the term in print is January 22, 1985 when Jim Spencer wrote in the Chicago Tribune:

"Furthermore, colored briefs are 'sleazy' and going without underwear ('going commando', as they say on campus) is simply gross".

The expression was used on the television sitcom "Friends":

"Joey: It's a rented tux, Okay. I'm not gonna go commando in another man's fatigues."[5]

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ Pulkall, Carolyn F, PhD. Vulvar Health Hints. Queen's University. Retrieved on 2006-12-23.
  2. ^ Juran que a Jennifer López le gusta andar a lo gringo: Sin chitecos. La Cuarta (December 11, 2006). Retrieved on 2007-01-13.
  3. ^ Brennan, John. "How to survive the Chilean jungle" (2nd ed.). "Dolmen Ediciones, Santiago, Chile". 
  4. ^ Engber, Daniel (January 10, 2005). Do Commandos Go Commando?. Slate Magazine. Retrieved on 2006-12-23.
  5. ^ http://www.friends-tv.org/zz302.html

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