DD, I've always been curious about the etymology of the military forms of these various commands, which tend to replace syllable-initial consonants with /h/ but leave syllable-final consonants relatively untouched. Herb At 08:55 PM 1/13/2008, STAHLKE, HERBERT F wrote: >DD, >Or could "Attention!" be elliptical for "Stand at attention!" as "At >ease!" is for "Stand at ease!"? The latter is still used, I believe. >Herb DD: As a command, it is used alone. The command for the second is "At ease!" {Pronounced something like Huheez."} Of course the longer and non-standard would be understood. Remember, "An officer's wish is a command." Consider the order, "Rest!" It certainly is would not be given as, "Stand at rest." Of course military language is not high standard. To join or leave this LISTSERV list, please visit the list's web interface at: http://listserv.muohio.edu/archives/ateg.html and select "Join or leave the list" Visit ATEG's web site at http://ateg.org/ To join or leave this LISTSERV list, please visit the list's web interface at: http://listserv.muohio.edu/archives/ateg.html and select "Join or leave the list" Visit ATEG's web site at http://ateg.org/