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goffer


can of soft drink (appears to be used exclusively by members of the Armed Forces, particularly those who served overseas): You want a beer or a goffer? Also, goffa.

Editor's comments: This is old Royal Navy slang dating back to at least the 1920s and was a originally taken from a brandname of some type of aerated drink. From there it has spread through various armed forces of the Commonwealth. The question remaining to be answered is: Is this used by members of the Armed Forces throughout Australia?

Contributor's comments: Used in SE Queensland.

Contributor's comments: In common use throughout Navy. Also sometimes used in reference to a salute. ie "chuck a goffer" = to give a salute. Also spelt goffa.

Contributor's comments: "Goffer" I assume came from a call for someone to "Go For" a soft drink. It is common to the Armed Forces (having heard it in all three services) and I think arose from those returning from Vietnam (having served from that period the first I heard it was in relation to those ex-Vietnam instructors from that period onwards). Seems to be falling out of use a little now with the retirement of that generation and those they taught.

Contributor's comments: Picked this up at army recruit training in Wagga Wagga, NSW.

Contributor's comments: Also used to signify a salute to a superior.

Contributor's comments: Goffer was still used in the RAN when I left, in 1996. I remember once saying, "Oners on the goffers on the uppers in the gammers" - Which actually ment: Your a bit selfish only getting your self a can of soft drink while I'm on the upper decks of the ship in the blazing sun.

Contributor's comments: I used this expression when I was a child which was long before Viet Vets were on the scene.