Get your ears put back: A colloquial phrase at the front for "Get your hair cut!" As men were compelled by regulation to keep their hair closely trimmed and cut quite short for reasons of health and cleanliness, the regulation was strictly enforced and orders for men to "get their ears put back" were heard almost every day at parades.[1] A modern-day equivalent would be "Tom has had his ears lowered."
References / notes
- ↑ Edward Fraser and John Gibbons (1925). Soldier and Sailor Words and Phrases. Routledge, London p.87.
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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