Why army cadets are called Pongoes in National Defence Academy

Pongoes National Defence Academy

If you have spent some time around NDA cadets or heard conversations related to the National Defence Academy, you may have come across the term “Pongoes.” This word is commonly used for Army cadets or soldiers, especially by members of the Navy. But why are Army cadets called Pongoes? Is it an insult or just friendly banter?

The term has an interesting history rooted in old British military slang and has gradually become part of defence culture, including in India.

What Does “Pongo” Mean in the Army?

“Pongo” is an old slang word used for a soldier, and its plural form is Pongoes. The word was mainly used by sailors to refer to soldiers. Over time, it became a part of inter-service humour, especially between the Army and the Navy.

At institutions like the NDA, where cadets of all three services train together, such nicknames naturally develop and continue as part of tradition.

Origin of the Term “Pongoes”

There is no single confirmed origin of the word, but several popular explanations exist.

1. British Slang Explanation

One commonly accepted explanation comes from an old British saying:

“Where the Army goes, the pong goes.”

The word pong means a bad smell. The phrase jokingly suggested that wherever soldiers went, the smell followed. Over time, soldiers themselves started being called Pongoes.

2. Bread-Eater Theory from the Napoleonic Wars

During the Napoleonic Wars, British troops were stationed in Portugal. The Portuguese word for bread is pao, which is pronounced somewhat like pong. Soldiers were seen eating large quantities of bread, and sailors began using this word to refer to them. This may have later turned into the term Pongo.

3. Sailors’ Humour and the “Sand-Ape” Idea

Another explanation comes from naval humour. Sailors joked that soldiers stayed on land, dug trenches, and lived on the ground, unlike sailors who climbed ropes and masts. Because of this, soldiers were teasingly compared to apes that stayed close to the ground, sometimes referred to as pongo apes.

4. Brewery or Distillery Duty Theory

Some accounts suggest that soldiers were often tasked with setting up temporary distilleries or water purification systems when ships docked. These setups were sometimes informally called pongo. Soldiers handling this duty may have picked up the nickname.

Why Army Cadets Are Called Pongoes in NDA?

At the National Defence Academy, cadets from the Army, Navy, and Air Force live and train together. Friendly rivalry between services is common, and nicknames are a part of this culture.

Naval cadets traditionally refer to Army cadets as Pongoes, mostly in a light-hearted way. Similarly, Army cadets may have their own names for cadets from other services. These terms are rarely meant as insults and are usually taken in good spirit.

Is “Pongo” an Insult?

The word can sound negative if taken literally, but in military environments it is mostly used as humour. It reflects inter-service rivalry rather than disrespect. Context and tone matter, and among cadets, it is generally understood as informal slang.

The term Pongoes has a long and interesting history that started with British military slang and continues today as part of defence culture. While its origins include humour and teasing, the word is now mostly used in a light-hearted manner, especially in training institutions like the NDA.Understanding such terms gives insight into military traditions, camaraderie, and the unique culture shared by future officers of the armed forces.