Earliest uses

Slate's Daniel Engber dates the modern usage to 1974 college campuses, where it was perhaps an outgrowth of the Vietnam War [1]. The origins of the phrase are uncertain, with some speculating that it may refer to being out in the open or ready for action. According to Engber many soldiers do go without underwear to increase ventilation and reduce moisture. The earliest known use of the term in print 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.
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Military significance

The term can also refer to being completely naked (i.e, "going commando in a sleeping bag"). On completion of their "commando" course, British Royal Marines are known to drink together whilst wearing no clothing at all. Soldiers do, on longer operations in the field, "go commando" as it increases airflow to the genitals, whilst reducing the amount of administration required to carry and change underwear daily. The term is analogous to the Scottish military term "regimental" referring to wearing no underwear under the kilt.
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Pop culture uses

* In a 1994 Seinfeld episode, Kramer decides not to wear underwear for medical reasons, but the line, I'm out there, Jerry, and I'm lovin' every minute of it! only hints at the true meaning and the term is not uttered. [2]

* In a 1996 episode of the television show Friends, Joey and Rachel use the term "going commando" [3]. In the producers' commentary of the episode, they mention the fact that the phrase "going commando" entered the Oxford English Dictionary because of that particular episode.


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