Do you Marines know what a f-a-r-t- sack is?

[nc.gal]

I've heard this expression from other
Marines, and don't know what it is.

Who can explain it to me?

[Arlene Horton]

Just asked my hubby and he said it was used in reference to the bottom sheet of your sack (bed) Since he's from 1946 I guess it must be something from that era. How did this come up? Arlene

[Joseph P Carey]

It was a Tri side enclosed sheet that went directly over the matress, hence the word sack! Your basic sheets (Bottom and top) were placed on top of the fart sack. It was supposed to protect the individual Marine from bugs that may have gotten into the matress.

[LivinSoFree]

I've always heard the term used generically for a sleeping bag.

[jarhead1616]

yea, ive been in boyscouts for 6 years(made Eagle Scout) and we have allways used that term for our sleeping bags, but we allso had a couple Marines as leaders

[team8frog]

Fart Sack was a Term used for a Mattress Cover that would encase the entire Mattress, something like a Big Bag.
One end was closed and the other you would secure with two (2) Ties.

I hope this explains "Fart Sack"...

Terrence L. McKnight USMC 1979-1983 Sgt.

[ese4mc]

TEAM8FROG IS CORRECT

[Osotogary]

It has all evolved into what is now known as "skivvies". Whether this be myth or not I do not know but it sure sounds good.(pardon the pun):)

[Joseph P Carey]

Originally posted by Osotogary
It has all evolved into what is now known as "skivvies". Whether this be myth or not I do not know but it sure sounds good.(pardon the pun):)

Like I said, the slang 'Fart Sack' was the cover of the mattress before the application of a person's sheets and blanket, and believe me, skivvies were something entirely different.

But, in the literal language of the word 'fart sack', skivvies may fit it best, though it is not anything remotely correct.

As far as the guys jumping into the Sleeping Bags, though it is not a correct use of the slang 'fart sack', it's use may be based upon personal observations made by other's in your close proximity. :-)

[Osotogary]

Just kidding, Mr. Carey. Mere semantics? Perhaps not but it was fun....while it lasted. LOL

[Osotogary]

How about Gunny Sack? How did that term come about? Is it Marine related?

[Joseph P Carey]

Originally posted by Osotogary
How about Gunny Sack? How did that term come about? Is it Marine related?

I believe Gunny Sack comes from the Old South, and it pretained to a burlap type of sack used for gathering roots and herbs and stuff like that, but, as far as I am concerned, no one has every made a sack that was big enough or strong enough to hold a Gunny! :-)

Please excuse my humor, it is rather dry, and I really don't mean to insult. It is like Jessica Rabbit, "I'm not bad, I'm just drawn that way!"

[albert torcini]

DID ANYBODY EVER "SHORT SHEET" YOUR BUDDIES WHEN THEY CAME BACK FROM LIBERTY "DRUNK"? THAT WAS THE BEST.

[Joseph P Carey]

Originally posted by albert torcini
DID ANYBODY EVER "SHORT SHEET" YOUR BUDDIES WHEN THEY CAME BACK FROM LIBERTY "DRUNK"? THAT WAS THE BEST.

Albert,

We had guys come back from Liberty so out-of-it, they tore right through the short sheet and never said a word of it until the morning. They were just no fun to play with!

But, we did do the 'shaving cream' routine on many a guy and that seem to work well, almost as well as dipping their hand in warm water while they were sleeping.

[Cole11]

in boot camp we carried our gear in a fart sack in processing