SAF lingo – 2025 version

We may be in the Gen Z era, but some things that the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) say still stay more or less the same.

No cap, you can test your dad (or even grandfather!) any of these words and they'll know what you're talking about.

For the sake of Gen Zs who are about to enlist or have just enlisted, here are some good ol’ military lingo that you should know.

Else, you’ll probably end up being that unlucky recruit who always “kena (get) sign extra”.

1) Knock it down

When you hear this, you know that you’re probably going to lose all feeling in your arms. Just get into push-up position and pray that your sergeant is feeling a little less generous in dishing out punishment.

“Wah all of you so slow hor. Whole lot of you, knock it down!”

2) Take your time

Probably the reason you have to knock it down. This is sarcasm (if you didn’t realise by now), and when your sergeant tells you this, you jolly well double up (your speed) or risk incurring his wrath.

No questions on what happens next if you tio (suffer) the latter.

“Take your time ah, TAKE YOUR TIME.”

3) You think, I thought, who confirm?

It may seem natural to start with “I think/thought…” when questioned about your actions by your sergeant or some other superior.

You’re probably hoping to save yourself by saying that but when they pull out this trump sentence “You think, I thought, who confirm?”, you know it’s a no-win already.

4) Bobo shooter

In short, this is a title given to those who are good at missing everything at the firing range.

Regardless the distance, regardless the time of the day, the Bobo Shooter or Bobo King just can’t seem to land any of his rounds on target.

5) Man mode

When someone is in man mode, it means that he is too mentally or physically exhausted to think or do anything other than the bare minimum.

“Eh bro, we talk later lah. I damn tired. I’m going into man mode already.”

6) 1206 (Usually pronounced as twelve oh six)

This is a form that you have to sign when you damage or lose equipment in the SAF. And yes, you have to pay for it – the amount is deducted from your payroll.

“Die lah, I lost my ET (entrenching tool) blade sia. Need to sign 1206 liao.”

7) Sign extra

When you hear these dreaded words, be prepared to have your weekends “burnt” by doing extra duties (usually guard duties) in camp. Just call your girlfriend and apologise to her in advance for postponing that dinner or movie date.

Trust us, you don’t want to kena from her also.

8) Wake up your idea

When recruits are not doing things right – like holding their rifle the wrong way or messing up their drills way too many times – this is when sergeants get riled up and start shouting “Oi recruits! What are you doing? WAKE UP YOUR IDEA!”

This is often followed by “knock it down”. You’ve been warned.

9) Charlie Mike

In military terms, this just means “Continue mission”. You think you’re almost done? Sorry bro, you’re just getting started, again.

10) Paradise now

One of the best news that soldiers look forward to. The opposite of Charlie Mike, “Paradise now” is a declaration that the exercise is over.

“Paradise now, exercise cut!”