going commando

[lkdipolo]

where does the saying going commando come from?

[andy hughes]

From the rumour - still unproved either way - that Commandos do not wear underwear under their combat suits. The phrase passed into popular usage when it was used in an epdisode of 'Friends' a few years ago.

[firefly]

Of course the British soldiers in India (the devils in skirts) were also believed not to wear them too, as popularised in Carry On Up the Khyber.

[thyrsis]

"2nd world war Commando forces who wore kilts didn't wear the army issue woollen underpants because they chafed, hence the saying. (according to my Dad who was there!)

[Andromeda]

Andy H

I am pretty sure the phrase is older than 'Friends' as I remember using it when I was a wee nipper.

Andy