Going commando . . .

(From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

Going commando (or to go commando or "free balling") is the practice of not wearing underwear under one's outer clothing.

"Going commando" started with commando and similar special forces military units, when some soldiers stopped wearing underwear to prevent chafing. Going without underwear is said to have certain benefits. Possibly from the much earlier term "going regimental", which refers to wearing the kilt military style, or without underwear (also see True Scotsman).

In Chile, the act of not wearing underwear has been called "andar a lo gringo" ("to go gringo-style") for decades. In Costa Rica, this act is known as "andar strike" (to go strike). The term has recently regained popularity after its use on the television series, Friends, when one of the main characters states he would not "go commando" in a rented tuxedo.

Kilts have been traditionally worn without undergarments since their use as part of Scottish military uniform, leading to the invention of such expressions as "go regimental" or "military practice" for wearing no underwear. On the Western Front during the First World War, some Sergeants Major reportedly had mirrors tied to the end of golf clubs or walking sticks to inspect up and under the kilt at parade inspection. In the 1950s, kilted soldiers on parade would be checked by the Sergeant Major using a mirror on the barrack's floor. In 1997, a Black Watch soldier received wide press "exposure", because of windy conditions during a military ceremony in Hong Kong.

Kilt inspections

The term True Scotsman is most often used in the context of a kilt inspection; this inspection sometimes proceeds as follows: The kilt wearer is asked if he is a "True Scotsman". He responds in the affirmative or negative. If affirmative, proof may be demanded, the nature of which can vary depending on the person and situation. If negative, "confiscation" of the "offending" undergarments may be demanded.

Non-Scots and those unfamiliar with kilts seeking to determine the truth of the "True Scotsman" tradition can leave themselves open to innuendo and double entendre, as innocent queries can be turned on the questioner; as with the question "Is there anything worn under the kilt?" being answered with examples such as "No, nothing is worn, everything is in perfect working order!" or "Yes, socks, shoes, and talcum powder," and "Yes, socks, shoes, and two shades of lipstick."

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