Glossary

• 200th (dvukhsotyi) – in Ukrainian Army slang means KIA (Killed in Action).
• 300th (tryokhsotyi) – in Ukrainian Army slang, this means WIA (Wounded in Action).
• Aquafresh – sarcastic term widely used among Ukrainian soldiers to describe the occupiers’ flag. Refers to the tricolor resemblance to the Aquafresh toothpaste stripes.
• BEK – (Ukrainian abbreviation for “БезЕкіпажний Катер”, literally “uncrewed boat”). A Ukrainian surface naval drone used primarily for reconnaissance and strike operations.
• KAB (Kerovana Aviatsiyna Bomba) – Guided Aerial Bomb. A cheap but powerful munition the ruSSians use to strike civilian cities.
• Katsap – a historical term used for soldiers/mercenaries of Muscovy or the Tsardom of Moscow. The term may be linked to the Arabic/Turkic word qassab/kasab (قصاب, meaning “butcher” or “slaughterer”)
• Khuilo – the most popular nickname for Russian dictator V. Putin. First used during the 2014 invasion, and since 2022 most Ukrainians call him only that. See more on Wikipedia.
• Muscovite – a historical term used for Russians in the times when Russia was known as Muscovy or the Tsardom of Moscow.
• Orcs – a common term for Russians who support or participate in the armed aggression against Ukraine.
• Pootin – softer, child-friendly version of Khuylo. Used when texts may be read by kids, keeps the mockery without profanity.
• Pidar (pronounced “pidar”) – Ukrainian military slang for an enemy combatant. In radio communications, the word “Pidar” sounds shorter and clearer than “Enemy” especially under EW.
• Ruscism – Russian fascism; an ideology combining imperial nationalism, militarism, aggressive expansionism, and religious manipulation. See more on Wikipedia.
• Sovok – sarcastic abbreviation for “Soviet Union,” derived from “Sovetskiy Soyuz”. The word also means “dustpan,” carrying a double connotation of trashiness and backwardness.
• SVO – abbreviation of “Spetsialnaya Voennaya Operatsiya” (“special military operation”). Since 2022, this is the euphemism used by Orcs to describe their full-scale war against Ukraine.
• Swamps – ironic name for Russia, emphasizing decay, stagnation, and filth.
• USF – Unmanned Systems Forces, Ukraine’s newly established branch of the Armed Forces. No, not the U.S. Navy — in Ukraine USF means those who destroy Russian bombers, not those who park aircraft carriers.