Reranking Military Ranks: Unveiling the True Meanings Behind Titles

The video explores the etymology of military ranks, highlighting inconsistencies in their order and pronunciation. It delves into the origins and meanings of ranks like Lieutenant, Colonel, Sergeant, Major, Captain, Corporal, General, Private, and Field Marshall. The video aims to propose a new hierarchy based on true meanings, addressing linguistic curiosities such as the pronunciation of 'Lieutenant' and the spelling of 'Colonel'.

What is the main issue with the current military ranks according to the video?

• They are too similar to civilian titles.

• They are not in the correct etymological order.

• They are not used in all countries.

• They are too complex to understand.

What is the etymological meaning of 'Lieutenant'?

• Servant to a higher rank

• Placeholder or representative

• Leader of a column

• Head of a group

Why is the pronunciation of 'Lieutenant' in British English considered baffling?

• It has an unexpected 'F' sound.

• It is pronounced the same as 'Colonel'.

• It is pronounced differently in American English.

• It includes a silent 'L'.

What is the origin of the spelling of 'Colonel'?

• It was derived from Germanic languages.

• It was influenced by Italian military texts.

• It was a mistake in translation.

• It was borrowed from Spanish.

What does the word 'Sergeant' etymologically mean?

• Placeholder for a higher rank

• Head of a column

• Servant or servile person

• Leader of a group

What is the etymological meaning of 'Major'?

• Servant to a higher rank

• Head of a group

• Leader of a column

• Greater or more important

What is the origin of the word 'Captain'?

• It comes from the Latin word for 'head'.

• It is derived from the Greek word for 'leader'.

• It is borrowed from the German word for 'commander'.

• It originates from the Old English word for 'chief'.

What does the word 'Corporal' mean in a military context?

• Servant to a higher rank

• Placeholder for a leader

• Head or leader

• Body or physical

What is the historical context of the rank 'Private'?

• It refers to soldiers hired by noblemen.

• It is a title for those who serve the monarch.

• It is a rank given to leaders of columns.

• It is the highest rank in the army.

What does the word 'Marshall' mean in the context of 'Field Marshall'?

• Belonging to Mars, the Roman God of War

• One who looks after horses

• Servant to a higher rank

• Leader of a battlefield