klick
UK[klɪk]US[klɪk]
n
A military slang term for a kilometer.
Etymology
The term "klick" is a piece of 20th-century military slang, originating during the Vietnam War era. It is a deliberate phonetic respelling of the word "kilometer" to ensure clarity and avoid confusion in radio communication, especially when distinguishing it from "mile." The spelling with a 'k' and 'ck' mimics the sharp, clear sound of the word as spoken, and its adoption represents a practical linguistic innovation within a specific professional context. While "kilometer" itself has Greek and French roots, "klick" is a modern, purpose-built slang term derived purely from sound.
Analysis
The word is a simplex loanword and phonetic respelling, not productively formed from separable English morphemes.
Examples
The reconnaissance patrol reported enemy movement approximately five klicks to the north.
We've got a long hump ahead of us—nearly twenty klicks through rough terrain.
Adjust fire, target coordinates are zero-three-zero for two klicks.