Buckshee: (Hind.–Bakshish). Free. Gratis. Extra. Of old army origin from India, the word acquired in the war all kinds of applications. For instance: A usual enquiry at meal time among the rank and file was "Is there any buckshee?" meaning is there anything over, anything to spare.
"Buckshee Leave" was a term for special leave, not counting as the ordinary diary leave.
A "Buckshee Corporal" would be an extra one over normal strength.
A man wanting a smoke would say to another, "Have you a buckshee cigarette about you?" i.e., one to spare me.
The word of course is in ordinary everyday use in the services for any "catch" or windfall.[1]
References / notes
- ↑ Edward Fraser and John Gibbons (1925). Soldier and Sailor Words and Phrases. Routledge, London p.38.
Glossary of words and phrases
The above term is listed in our glossary of words and phrases of the Armed Forces of Great Britain during the Great War. Included are trench slang, service terms, expressions in everyday use, nicknames, the titles and origins of British and Commonwealth Regiments, and warfare in general. These words and phrases are contemporary to the war, which is reflected in the language used. They have been transcribed from three primary sources (see Contents). Feel free to expand upon and improve this content.
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