In the IDF contractions are so common, its hard for soldiers to say a few sentences without using one.
Some contractions are official abbreviations used in documents and radio comms, while others are purely informal slang among soldiers.
Many are formed by taking the first syllables of two or more words and combining them, a structure known in Hebrew as a rashei tevot (initialism) or telescoping.
Over time, some have become so ingrained that soldiers often forget they originated as abbreviations.
This linguistic trend dates back to the era of pre-state paramilitary groups, where speed and clarity were essential for communicating complex or technical information over radio or in written form.
These condensed expressions proved efficient and quickly became part of the spoken vernacular.
Their widespread use reflects the IDF’s broader communication style: rapid, practical, and rich with insider meaning.
For newcomers, learning these terms is almost like acquiring a new dialect — a rite of passage that marks their integration into the military culture.
Here are a few examples:
Chamshush comes from the Hebrew words Chamishi (Thursday) and Shishi (Friday). In military slang, it refers to a Thursday-Friday-Saturday weekend — essentially the long weekend in the IDF, when a soldier is released on Thursday instead of the usual Friday afternoon. Considered prime weekend leave, especially coveted by combat soldiers.
Shavtzak (Shavua Tzeva’i Katsar) – “Short military week,” meaning you start the week late or end it early.
Ramatkal (Rosh Mateh Klali) is the “Chief of the General Staff” – the head of the entire IDF.
Samal (Sgan Mefaked) is “deputy commander”, used for the rank of sergeant.
Machbosh is short for Machboshat Tzniut which translates to “disciplinary confinement”. It refers to a military prison or detention facility where soldiers are held for disciplinary reasons.
Shnahtz (Shnat Tzoharayim), literally meaning “afternoon sleep.” In civilian life, it is the go-to phrase for napping – especially on Friday and Saturday afternoons.
Kaban (Katzin Briut haNefesh) which means mental health officer. This is the IDF psychiatrist who evaluates your wellbeing. Go to him if you want to claim insanity to get out of your army service.
Rav-Tash (Rav Tashkif) – A general supply officer, but often used jokingly for someone who always has extra gear or snacks.
Tashlam (Tashlum Miluim) – Reserve pay, but soldiers sometimes twist it jokingly into “compensation” for being stuck on base.
Bakum is short for Basis Klita U’Meiun which translates to “Reception and Sorting Base”. It’s the initial induction center where new recruits go for processing, receiving uniforms, and undergoing initial assessments before being sent to their specific training bases.
