Commando (verb)

Commando can be used as a verb, as a means of declaring to others that one is not wearing underwear.

The phrase is used (particularly by young women) to covertly create a frisson of sexual excitement or amusement amongst friends, [sexual partner|sexual partners], etc. - with such entences usually taking the grammatical construction, (to go + verb), e.g. "I'm going commando", "Let's go commando", etc.

The militaristic associations of the verb may also be interpreted as a declaration by the speaker of an overtly individualist stance towards the issue of whether one wears underwear or not (i.e. a right not to wear underwear independent of the views of others).

Modern British social mores generally recognise 'going commando' as a 'playful' behaviour (akin to a mild form of exhibitionism), and one that doesn't necessarily demonstrate an overtly sexual intent. However, it has to be recognised that in many cases there is a strong and recognisable sexual element to the behaviour.

The use of commando as a verb is a relatively recent phenomenon but increasingly common, particularly in modern British English. The origins of the verb are uncertain, with some speculating that it may refer to the phrases 'out in the open' or 'ready for action'.

The earliest verifiable use of the term in print identified is January 22, 1985 with Jim Spencer writing in the Chicago Tribune, Furthermore, colored briefs are 'sleazy' and going without underwear ('going commando', as they say on campus) is simply gross.

Also see:

Freeballing - the phenomemenon of males not wearing underwear Freebuffing - the phenomemenon of females not wearing underwear