Definition

Noun: 1. A type of administrative discharge from the U.S. Army: This refers to a discharge granted to a soldier on the grounds of being mentally, physically, or morally unfit for military service. It originates from Section VIII of the U.S. Army regulations. 2. A person receiving such a discharge: This term is also used to refer to the soldier who has been discharged under these conditions.

Usage Examples

• The private received a section eight after the psychiatric evaluation.
• During the war, he was labeled a section eight and sent home.
• The term section eight is an old military classification.

Advanced Usage

• The term is historical and was primarily used during and following World War II. It carries a strong stigma and is often used pejoratively to imply cowardice or instability.
• In modern informal contexts, it can be used hyperbolically to describe someone as crazy or unfit for a situation.
  • After his third outburst, they joked he was headed for a section eight.

Variants and Related Words

• Section 8: A common alternative spelling using the numeral.
• Section 8 housing: A completely different, modern term referring to a U.S. government housing assistance program for low-income families. This is a distinct term and should not be confused with the military discharge.

Synonyms

• Discharge for unfitness
• Administrative discharge (for unsuitability)
• (Informal) Crazy discharge

Related Idioms & Phrases

• To be section eighted: (Informal, historical) To be discharged from the military under Section VIII.
  • Rumors spread that he was going to be section eighted.

Noun

1. a discharge from the US Army based on unfitness or character traits deemed undesirable
2. a soldier who received a Section Eight discharge as unfit for military service