phrases, sayings, idioms and expressions at

Phrase " nap-of-the-earth" origins

Posted by TheFallen on January 27, 2003

In Reply to: Phrase " nap-of-the-earth" origins posted by Burt on January 26, 2003

: Nap of the earth, as a military phrase refers to low level contoured fight over the earth surface.
: A friend contends that the phrase is older than it usage in the Vietnam war era, usauly pretaining to helicopter tactics.
: Have been unable to find the origin of this phrase, and would welcome any help. E-mails welcome.

I've not heard of this phrase, but a number of the meanings of the word "nap" would seem to be relevant. Nap can mean the soft or fuzzy surface of a fabric - for example, the "nap of the cloth" is important to professional snooker/pool players when gauging how to pace their shots, dependant upon whether they're playing with or against the nap. To "nap" something also means to cover it with a sauce.

Both derivations of "nap" in this sense seem to come from the French "nappe", meaning a covering or tablecloth.

© 1997 – 2024 Phrases.org.uk. All rights reserved.