doolie

1 9.9

A first-year cadet at a military academy, especially at the U.S. Air Force Academy

noun
/ˈduːli/

Slang

: doolie

The doolie was excited about starting his training.

Examples

The new first-year cadets were excited to be called doolies at the military academy.
Many doolies struggle with the rigorous schedule.
As a doolie, she quickly learned the importance of discipline.
The doolies marched in formation during their first week at the academy.
Every doolie must follow strict rules and traditions during their first year.
As a doolie, he learned the ropes of military life and formed lifelong friendships.
Every doolie is required to complete basic training before advancing to the next level.

Synonyms

cadet

vsdoolie

171 3.9

A young person training to become an officer in the armed forces

applies specifically to the initial year rather than any stage of training

plebe

vsdoolie

Jargon

6 9.2

A first-year student at a military school in the United States

is the informal term for that same first-year academy position

military recruit

vsdoolie

3 3.8

A person who recently joined the military and is doing basic training

denotes academy newcomers training to become officers, not enlisted new members

frosh

vsdoolie

Informal

2 8.0

A first-year student at high school or college

is used for first-years at military academies rather than civilian schools

Surface Forms

doolie singular

doolies plural

Etymology

Doolie is U.S. military slang for a first-year cadet at an academy. A helpful way to remember it is to imagine the start do meaning 'to do many small tasks', so a doolie is a newcomer who must learn and follow many rules during their first year.