Civvie Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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civvie

[ˈsɪvi ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in fashion

A civilian, especially one who is fashionable or stylish.

Synonyms

civilian, non-combatant, non-military person.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
civvie	Used in informal or colloquial conversations, often by military personnel to describe someone who is not in the armed forces. He's just a civvie, he wouldn't understand our training. After leaving the army, it took time to adjust to a civvie lifestyle.
civilian	Appropriate for formal and general usage to distinguish between non-military and military persons. The new policy affects both military personnel and civilians. Civilians were evacuated from the conflict zone as a precautionary measure.
non-military person	Used in more descriptive or specific contexts to indicate anyone who is not part of the armed forces, focusing on their civilian status. The event is open to both military personnel and non-military persons. The training is designed for non-military persons who work in defense-related fields.
non-combatant	Often used in legal or official contexts to refer to persons who do not engage in combat, especially in conflict zones. Healthcare workers are considered non-combatants under international law. The convention provides protection for non-combatant civilians during wartime.

Examples of usage

He always dresses like a civvie, even when he's off duty.
She stood out in the crowd with her civvie outfit.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

slang

A civilian, often used in military slang to refer to non-military personnel.

Synonyms

civilian, non-combatant, non-military person.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
civvie	A colloquial and informal term often used in casual conversations, typically from the perspective of someone in the military. After leaving the army, it was hard to adjust to life as a civvie. The sergeant joked about how easy civvies have it.
civilian	Best suited for formal and general discussions to refer to individuals not in the military or armed forces. The soldiers ensured the safety of the civilians during the evacuation. A civilian was injured in the crossfire.
non-military person	A more descriptive phrase used in contexts where clarity is needed, often in formal or semi-formal discussions. The event was open to both military and non-military persons. Non-military persons are not eligible for these benefits.
non-combatant	Used specifically to describe people who are not involved in combat, often in military or conflict-related contexts. Non-combatants were given priority evacuation during the conflict. International laws protect non-combatants in wartime.

Examples of usage

The troops were ordered to keep an eye out for any civvies in the area.
He felt out of place at the military base surrounded by all the soldiers in uniform.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Military Culture

In military slang, 'civvies' also refers to the casual clothes worn by non-military individuals during their daily lives.
The contrast between civvies and uniforms illustrates the divide between military obligations and civilian freedom.

Pop Culture

Films and books often depict civvies as either naive to military life or as individuals seeking to understand the soldier's experience.
The popular TV show 'Our Girl' highlights the interactions between soldiers and civvies, showing the balance between military duty and civilian life.

Social Psychology

There can sometimes be tension between civvies and military members, stemming from differing perspectives on service and sacrifice.
Studies show that civilians may have a romanticized view of military life, often unaware of the challenges faced by service members.

Historical Context

During wartime, civilians often take on roles that support the military, from working in factories to providing care for soldiers.
Various historical movements, like anti-war protests, have rooted in civilians advocating for peace and showing solidarity with affected service members.

Origin of 'civvie'

Main points about word origin

The term 'civvie' is a shortened form of 'civilian', which comes from the Latin 'civilis', meaning 'relating to citizens'.
It gained prominence during World War II, distinguishing between military personnel and ordinary citizens.

The term 'civvie' is a colloquial abbreviation of the word 'civilian'. It is commonly used in military contexts to distinguish between military personnel and non-military individuals. The slang usage of 'civvie' can be traced back to the early 20th century, when it became popular among soldiers to refer to civilians in a more informal way. Over time, the term has also been adopted in civilian fashion circles to describe a stylish civilian. Today, 'civvie' is widely recognized in both military and civilian contexts.