Dad’s Army, noun phrase
- Forms:
- Also with small initials.
- Origin:
- British EnglishShow more Transferred use of a British English nickname for the Home Guard in the U.K. during World War II, subsequently used during the Rhodesian war: ‘The fourth category is “Dad’s Army”, who are the older whites of over 38 years...After a long period of semi-obscurity, the Protection Units and Dad’s Army have finally found their own identity in the Rhodesia Defence Regiment, with their own insignia and embellishments.’ (Fighting Forces of Rhodesia No.5, c1978, p.73).
colloquial
A jocular name for the system of compulsory local military duty for older men, introduced in 1983; (any one of) the military units established under this system. Also attributive. See also commando sense 5.
1982 Sunday Times 28 Mar. 27The Bill to create a South African ‘Dad’s Army’ is being referred to a Select Committee...Beneath the joshing about dads’ armies..is a profound unease about what it really means, this business of 60-year-olds being soldiers again.
1991 Sunday Times 13 Jan. 16Graham M— is a former MP and was court martialled in 1987 for refusing to report for a ‘dad’s army’ call-up.
A jocular name for the system of compulsory local military duty for older men, introduced in 1983; (any one of) the military units established under this system. Also attributive.
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