Going commando

Going commando, or free balling, is the practice of not wearing underwear under one's outer clothing. "Going commando" is reputed to have begun with commando and other special forces military units, in which some soldiers stopped wearing underwear to prevent chafing.^{[citation needed]} The term is probably related to the much earlier term "going regimental", which refers to wearing the kilt military style, that is, without underwear. (see True Scotsman)

In Chile, the act of not wearing underwear has been called "andar a lo gringo" ("to go gringo-style") for decades.^[1][2] In Costa Rica, this act is known as "andar strike" ("to go strike").^{[citation needed]}

Earliest uses

The origins of the phrase are uncertain, with some speculating that it may refer to being "out in the open" or "ready for action". Slate magazine's Daniel Engber dates the modern usage to college campuses circa 1974, where it was perhaps associated with soldiers in the Vietnam War, who were reputed to go without underwear to "increase ventilation and reduce moisture."^[3] The earliest known use of the term in print occurred on January 22, 1985 when Jim Spencer wrote in the Chicago Tribune "Furthermore, colored briefs are 'sleazy' and going without underwear ("going commando", as they say on campus) is simply gross."

Benefits

Going without underwear is said to have certain benefits. Dr. Caroline F. Pukall of Queen's University states that going without underwear while sleeping can have significant benefits to the vulva.^[4]

See also

• Upskirt

References