The language of the packers quickly entered the army vocabulary. A skittish, inexperienced young mule had its tail shaved so as to be instantly recognizable to the packers. "Shavetail" soon became the name for every spit-and-polish, greenhorn lieutenant from the East. A
The terminology used by packers became part of the military lexicon, illustrating how language evolves in specific contexts. For instance, an inexperienced mule with a shaved tail was marked for easy identification, leading to the term "Shavetail" being coined. This label later generalized to describe any unseasoned, overly polished lieutenant fresh from the East.
This anecdote from Paul Andrew Hutton's "The Apache Wars" highlights the interplay between military culture and vernacular, showcasing how unique experiences can shape language and perceptions within the armed forces.
