civvy

civvy

A soldier returns to civvy street after his service.

Definition

  1. Noun:

    • A civilian: "civvy" is an informal term for a person who is not a member of the armed forces or the police. It is often used by military personnel to refer to ordinary citizens.
    • Civilian clothes (plural "civvies"): In military contexts, "civvies" means ordinary clothing worn by civilians, as opposed to a uniform.

  2. Adjective (rare):

    • Relating to civilian life: Used informally to describe things associated with non-military life.
Usage Examples

  • Noun:

    • After ten years in the army, he was happy to become a civvy again. (A person who is no longer in the military.)
    • The soldiers were not allowed to wear civvies on base. (Civilian clothes, not uniforms.)

  • Adjective:

    • He prefers the civvy lifestyle to the strict rules of the barracks. (The ordinary, non-military way of life.)
Advanced Usage

  • "civvy street": A colloquial phrase meaning civilian life, especially after military service.

    • Adjusting to civvy street after combat can be difficult. (Returning to ordinary civilian life and routines.)

  • "in civvies": Wearing civilian clothing instead of a uniform.

    • The officer was in civvies, so no one saluted him. (Dressed in ordinary clothes, not a uniform.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Civvies (plural noun): The most common form, meaning civilian clothes.

    • The recruits were allowed to wear civvies on their day off. (Ordinary, non-military clothing.)

  • Civilian (noun/adj): The standard formal term for a non-military person or thing.

    • The bomb injured several civilians. (Non-military people.)
Synonyms
  • Civilian: The formal equivalent.
  • Non-combatant: Someone not engaged in fighting.
  • Citizen: A member of a state or country.
Related Idioms

  • "Civvy street": As explained above, referring to civilian life.

    • He missed the camaraderie of the army but enjoyed the freedom of civvy street. (The ordinary, non-military world.)

  • "Back in civvies": To have returned to civilian clothing or civilian status.

    • After the parade, the general was back in civvies and unrecognizable. (Dressed in ordinary clothes again.)