At Orsha, the nickname “Ramp Tramp” puzzled many Soviet pilots and engineers, even those familiar with English. One rough translation offered was “Unshaven Vagabond,” which still baffled Soviet airmen.
It puzzles me, and English is my first language! What does it mean?
A "ramp" (in US aviation jargon) is where aircraft are loaded and prepared for flight. The official term is "apron" and a common layman's term for this area of an airfield is "tarmac." Guessing this is the main source of confusion.
"Tramp" here probably means harlot (consider the cheesecake pinup nose-art common on WWII-era US bombers, as alluded to in the article.)
[+] [-] threedaymonk|10 years ago|reply
It puzzles me, and English is my first language! What does it mean?
[+] [-] ramptramp|10 years ago|reply
"Tramp" here probably means harlot (consider the cheesecake pinup nose-art common on WWII-era US bombers, as alluded to in the article.)