Jackspeak of the Royal Canadian Navy

Jackspeak: Certain words or terminology that are commonly used in the Canadian Navy.

The Canadian Navy has it's own terminology and slang that is still evolving to this day. Much of the language used is still derived from the Royal Navy, although as Canadians many local customs and slang have come about.

This list was compiled over the years and was finally published in 2014 as "Jackspeak of the Royal Canadian Navy (2015 edition)" In 2018, a completely revised 2nd edition was released. The 2018 edition featured expanded and revised definitions, many more example sentences, and over 400 new terms.

Jackspeak Index:
0-9 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

"Z" Terms

Z's
Sleep, or snoring. "Let's go grab some Z's". Interestingly enough, in the RCN the term "Z's" is normally pronounced as "zees" and not "zeds".
Zed Shed
A classroom, or any area where a boring lecture might take place. Likely derived from the phonetic 'Zed' for 'Z' (snoring).
Zero Bubble
Used to mean that a submarine's bow is level.
Zero Dark Thirty
See OH DARK THIRTY.
Zip Lip
A state of radio silence.
Zippo
NATO codeword used to inform the formation that a missile attack is imminent or in progress.
ZizEX
A prolonged nap.
Zombie
An airborne radar contact that is conforming to air traffic controller rules, or following a recognized traffic pattern, and is likely a commercial aircraft.
Zoomie
Air Force personnel.
ZULU Time
Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

If you have any input to this list, please feel free to get involved. Suggest your new terms or provide feedback. Contact Us

Buy the Book!
Jackspeak of the Royal Canadian Navy
Buy the Book!