Why an Army-Man is Nicknamed a “Pongo”

WHY AN ARMYMAN IS CALLED A “PONGO”

Dear Reader:

In my “Humor in Uniform” stories – I sometimes humorously use the term “Pongo” to describe an Armyman.

The nickname “Pongo” is a term of endearment – and I trust my fellow “Faujis” in Olive Green (OG) take it in the right spirit.

Let me tell you why Armymen are called “Pongos”.

Yes – “Pongo” is Navy slang for an Army Soldier.

Why is an Armyman called a “Pongo”…?

Well – there are many apocryphal stories on the origins of the term “Pongo”.

Here is one such yarn that I heard long back from an old “Sea Dog”.

He told me that the term “Pongo” originated in the Royal Navy to denote an “Infantryman”.

As per a myth – the “Pongo” was a unique Ape (monkey without tail).

When this unique Ape called “Pongo” sensed danger or felt scared – the “Pongo” did not climb trees – like most Apes or Monkeys normally do.

In contrast – the “Pongo” would dig holes in the earth and hide himself in the ground – in the same way as “infantrymen” dug in and entrenched themselves in the ground – when they were under attack in battle.

Another similar yarn says – that the term “Pongo” is derived from the archaic name for the Orangutan.

Yes – some say that a “Pongo” is a type of Orangutan – and – the “Pongo” had the habit of digging holes in the ground for no apparent reason – and then – filling the holes back.

The Sailors probably observed Army Soldiers digging away – hence – the nickname “Pongo” for Army Soldiers.

So now – Dear Reader – when you see the term “Pongo” – you know what it means.

By the way – I came across a few “Pongos” in the Navy too – yes – “Pongos” in White Navy Uniform.

I will tell you about one such “Pongo” in Whites – in my next blog post.

Do read the story of “Pongo” and “Pani Puri”.

Till then – have a great day…

VIKRAM KARVE

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Disclaimer:

1. This story is a fictional spoof, satire, pure fiction, just for fun and humor, no offence is meant to anyone, so take it with a pinch of salt and have a laugh.
2.  All stories in this blog are a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the stories are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

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Extract from to my Blog Posts:  https://www.quora.com/profile/Vikram-Karve/Writing-by-VIKRAM-KARVE/Why-Army-Men-are-called-%E2%80%9CPONGOS%E2%80%9D  and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2017/03/does-your-heart-murmur.html