strangle the parrot

present singular third person strangles the parrot · participle present strangling the parrot · participle past strangled the parrot · past strangled the parrot

1. idiomaticslangaeronauticsTo switch off the transponder, for example, because it is interfering with the radar system.

   If you fly jets, you know what it means to strangle the parrot (turning off the transponder that identifies aircraft as friendly or hostile) and that the howgozit is a dial that shows how much fuel is left.

   1990, Tom Fahey, “Types of Jargon”, in The Joys of Jargon, Hauppauge, N.Y.; London: Barron’s Educational Series, →ISBN, pages 21–22

   2 more examples

   Over the radio, Kincaid heard the sounds of flights into the north: Air Force pilots talking to one another. […] Davis broke in with a radio call. “We strangle the parrot in five minutes.” Kincaid grinned. It meant that they would be turning off the IFF equipment.

   1990, Kevin D. Randle, chapter 6, in Carrier War (Wings over Nam; 4), Naples, Fla.: Speaking Volumes, published 2014, →ISBN

   He had acquired a grey parrot on a trip to Africa and en route back to the UK, air traffic gave instructions to strangle the parrot, meaning of course switch off the identification, friend or foe (IFF) (codeword 'parrot'). Woobs feigned righteous indignation at this cruel command!

   2017, Tony Blackman, Anthony Wright, V Force Boys: All New Reminiscences by Air and Ground Crews Operating the Vulcan, Victor and Valiant in the Cold War and beyond, London: Grub Street, →ISBN

   Antonyms: squawk the parrot