In contrast, the phrase 'Bugging Out' is fine by me - it sounds and feels 'right'. For example, if I were to say: "When the shit hits the fan I'll be getting the hell out of dodge - I'll be bugging out!" - it just sounds like the right phrase to use. It conveys the right feeling of urgency, speed etc.
We're all familiar with the term Bug Out. Here's a few definitions from around the web:
From the Merriam Webster Dictionary
(http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bug%20out):Definition of BUG OUT
- to retreat during a military action; especially : to flee in panic
- to depart especially in a hurry
Examples of BUG OUT
<the ground soldiers bugged out just before the start of the aerial bombing><the strange visitor bugged out without so much as saying a word>
From the UrbanDictionary.Com
(http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=bug%20out)
- British Army slang - To move away from your current location very quickly (often under fire) because your position has been compromised by the enemy. e.g. The enemy attacked our observation post so we had to bug out
From TheFreeDictionary.Com
bug out
- Sl. to pack up and leave or retreat. Orders are to bug out by oh-nine-hundred. e.g. Okay, everybody, move it! We're bugging out.
- Sl. to get out of somewhere fast. I gotta find a way to bug out of here without getting caught. e.g. Okay, the downpour has stopped. Let's bug out.
Ok, there's no real surprises there. It's catchy and its sounds right. You will also note that most definitions make reference to the term's military/army related origin.
However, in contrast, the term 'Bug In' does not have any real origin, other than in relation to prepping. Clearly someone, somewhere wanted to find a term to describe staying put (in a prepper context) and in a stroke of pure brilliance coined the term 'Bug In'. I mean it's so obvious isn't it? We're not going OUT, we're staying IN!
I detest that term and hence I never use it.
Firstly because it just sounds and feels wrong. It just doesn't feel right. It sounds like a lazy made-up phrase. It gives the impression that someone staying at home in a disaster situation or WROL etc., will be hiding under their bed, afraid and submissive. Every time I hear that phrase on youtube or read it in a blog it makes me cringe. Its an ugly phrase.
Secondly, there is a far more appropriate term already in use my the military to describe staying put and fortifying your position: 'Digging In'
Firstly because it just sounds and feels wrong. It just doesn't feel right. It sounds like a lazy made-up phrase. It gives the impression that someone staying at home in a disaster situation or WROL etc., will be hiding under their bed, afraid and submissive. Every time I hear that phrase on youtube or read it in a blog it makes me cringe. Its an ugly phrase.
Secondly, there is a far more appropriate term already in use my the military to describe staying put and fortifying your position: 'Digging In'
Now THAT 'feels' like the right term.
Here's the definition of Dig In from around the web:
From TheFreeDictionary.Com
Phrasal Verb:
- To dig trenches for protection.
- To hold on stubbornly, as to a position; entrench oneself.
- To begin to work intensively.
- To begin to eat heartily.
dig in
- vb (adverb)
- (Military) Military to create (a defensive position) by digging foxholes, trenches, etc.
- Informal to entrench (oneself) firmly
- (intr) Informal to defend or maintain a position firmly, as in an argument
- (intr) Informal to begin vigorously to eat don't wait, just dig in
- dig one's heels in Informal to refuse stubbornly to move or be persuaded
Now that sounds more like it! That's what I'll be doing come SHTF. I'll be 'entrenching' myself, 'defending and maintaining my position', and 'refusing stubbornly to move'. Hell, I'll even be 'eating heartily' thanks to my food supplies and preps!
Everything about the phrase suggests determination, self-reliance, strength.
Now maybe there are some people out there who will be cowering in their homes when disaster strikes. Helpless and afraid. In other words the sheeples and prepless will 'bugging in' like insects scurrying to hide. But I won't be one of them, and in my experience neither will most preppers. We'll be digging in our heels, defending our position and our loved ones, fortifying our property and ready for whatever comes - we'll be digging in.
Everything about the phrase suggests determination, self-reliance, strength.
Now maybe there are some people out there who will be cowering in their homes when disaster strikes. Helpless and afraid. In other words the sheeples and prepless will 'bugging in' like insects scurrying to hide. But I won't be one of them, and in my experience neither will most preppers. We'll be digging in our heels, defending our position and our loved ones, fortifying our property and ready for whatever comes - we'll be digging in.
When the SHTF you can Bug In if you want, but I for one will be Digging In!
Great article, as always!
ReplyDeleteJust came across your site.
ReplyDeleteI was viewing predictions for an asteroid strike Sept. 23.
lol...
In such an event and the supposed global social breakdown in a worst case scenario, what would you do?
I mean obviously " worst case scenario " is the only group of words that can be used to describe the aftermath of a strike. Years of aftermath probably. Crop failure anyone?
That's scary.
But what's the end goal of preparedness? A fortified castle with arrow slits or groups of people coming together to ride it out while everything around them is tearing itself apart?
What's the starting point for if we all find trouble later this year?
Mark.
P's I'm Irish too. Midlands.
DeleteI see. No reply. Must be too big a question for you Mr. Prepper.
ReplyDelete