Why does everyone refer to their kids as DS or DD?

[LoganWHS]

Just seen the terms around the forms and thought it was kind of funny haha

 

[falcon25]

Just seen the terms around the forms and thought it was kind of funny haha

You know how the military loves its acronyms/abbreviations

 

[Capt MJ]

I never saw those abbreviations in my military career. I have seen it on other discussion and chat forums, non-military. When I came here, it seemed to be the local norm, so I followed suit.

 

[VelveteenR]

It's a pervasive Internet / social media convention:

DS = Dear Son
DD = Dear Daughter
DH = Dear Husband
etc.

 

[Capt MJ]

I doubt I was ever referred to as “DC,” Dear Captain.

 

[brewmeist]

I never use it. I never thought it was that many keystrokes to type 'my son.'

 

[Devil Doc]

I still refer to my son as my son but I prefer the gender neutral LD for little darling.

In medical we actually use DD, DS, DW, DH to identify family members of the sponsor. The D is for dependent.

There’s also DMIL and DFIL.

 

[THParent]

I thought that we were supposed to refer to them with this internet-speak.
I think it's dumb, but I am a rule-follower.

That's why I sit at home in my government-issued grey garb, wear a mask, and await further instructions.

 

[WT Door]

I still refer to my son as my son but I prefer the gender neutral LD for little darling.

In medical we actually use DD, DS, DW, DH to identify family members of the sponsor. The D is for dependent.

There’s also DMIL and DFIL.

As @Devil Doc pointed out, DS has different meanings outside the confines of SAF. DS, during my time, stood for “Dumb S^^t”. Pilots used it as in: What a DS! Can you believe he did that? In a squadron, or on a ship, being a “DS” was not a good thing. Every now and then I get a chuckle when I see DS used here.

 

[MidCakePa]

doubt I was ever referred to as “DC,” Dear Captain.

Not even by DH???

 

[THParent]

I often assess a "DA Tax" as a gunsmith, if the clownshoe tried to fix it before bringing it to me.

 

[navyfamilyof4]

these shortcut terms have been used for 20+ years on internet message boards. its not military related

 

[Capt MJ]

Not even by DH???

Oh no. It’s usually “PITA.”

 

[FutureAcademyDad?]

I doubt I was ever referred to as “DC,” Dear Captain.

Damn Captain, perhaps?

 

[Capt MJ]

Damn Captain, perhaps?

Quite likely.

 

[MidCakePa]

Been using “DD/DS” for a few years on SAF, but only now learning that the D stands for “dear.” Not what I thought.

 

[OldRetSWO]

There’s also DMIL and DFIL.

Darn or Damn?

not Dumb or *******

 

[Devil Doc]

Darn or Damn?

not Dumb or *******

yes

 

[Capt MJ]

Darn or Damn?

not Dumb or *******

Can be toggled as appropriate.

 

[jhwlk]

I doubt I was ever referred to as “DC,” Dear Captain.

So, is DC "dear cousin?" Where did this come from?