Definition

Phonetic alphabet for 'M,' commonly used to mean minute or meter in military communications. As in 'five mikes' equals five minutes of your life you'll never get back.

Example Usage

We're five mikes out from the objective—prep for dismount.

Origin

NATO phonetic alphabet, standardized mid-20th century

Fun Fact

The military measures time in mikes and distance in klicks (kilometers) because apparently saying 'minutes' and 'kilometers' takes too long.

Source: NATO phonetic alphabet and tactical communications

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zero hour

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