View source for List of terms (TOS alternate)

{{separate continuity|universe=TOS|universe2=1980}}

{{terms series}}

Like the show, the comics or novels based on the [[Original Series]], and its spinoff, ''[[Galactica 1980]]'', use different terminology in order to make the universe visceral to the reader. This array of terminology, used by both the Colonials and [[Cylons (TOS)|Cylons]], consists of military jargon, colloquialisms, sayings, and technical terms. 

This page does not serve to regurgitate or repeat terminologies used in both series, but terms that ''only'' appear in both the comics and novels. Each section is separated by publisher (Berkley, Marvel, Realm Press, et al.), in order to make the continuities clear.  

== Berkley novelizations ==

* {{inlineref|germicide}}: part of a [[Warrior]]'s medkit. Given the use of the suffix "-cide," this substance kills germs.<ref name="p116">{{cite_book|last=Resnick|first=Michael|authorlink=Michael Resnick|authorlinkurl=|year=1981|title=[[Battlestar Galactica 5: Galactica Discovers Earth]]|publisher=Berkley Books|location=|id=|pages=116}}</ref>
* {{inlineref|viruscide}}: part of a [[Warrior]]'s medkit. Given the use of the suffix "-cide," this substance kills viruses.<ref name="p116"/>

==Dynamite Entertainment comics==

=== Cultural ===

* {{inlineref|Boray fracker}}: a derogatory term specifically disparaging a targeted party as "Boray shit"; {{alt|Starbuck|TOS-DE}} uses this when engaging on his bombing run on [[Tessida]] ({{comics|apocalypse|3}}).
*{{inlineref|countess}}: honorific for a Colonial female aristocrat, c.f. [[Sephoni]] ({{comics|doa|1}}).
* {{inlineref|daggit dribble}}: a kinder version of "[[felgercarb]]"; {{alt|Cassiopeia|TOS-DE}} uses this when {{alt|Starbuck|TOS-DE}} lies his way out of the real reason he wants to talk to Cassiopeia before a mission to attack the [[Cylon mainframe]] at [[Tessida]] ({{comics|apocalypse|1}}).
* {{inlineref|daggit fracker}}: a variation of "dog shit"; {{alt|Starbuck|TOS-DE}} tells the {{alt|Cylons|TOS-DE}} to "eat this, daggit frackers!" as he and {{alt|Apollo|TOS-DE}} take on the {{alt|Centurion|TOS-DE|Centurion stealth team}} that boarded ''{{alt|Galactica|TOS-DE}}'' ({{comics|apocalypse|1}}).
* {{inlineref|felger-hole}}: "shit hole"; {{alt|Boomer|TOS-DE}} calls [[Tessida]] this when making his landing run to recover {{alt|Starbuck|TOS-DE}} ({{comics|apocalypse|4}}).
* {{inlineref|for Sagan's sake|[[for Sagan's sake]]}}: a statement issued in exasperation; Starbuck exclaims this after a red alert alarm goes off in response to ''{{alt|Galactica|TOS-DE}}''{{'|s}} boarding by a {{alt|Cylons|TOS-DE|Cylon stealth team}} ({{comics|apocalypse|1}}).
* {{inlineref|flark}}: an alternative of the word [[frack]] in an [[alternate reality]], hewing more toward the vulgarism "fuck" than "shit" ({{comics|vol2|3}}). 
* {{inlineref|Larson's Apogee in C-Minor}}: a Colonial piano piece played by {{alt|Baltar|1980}} ({{comics|1980|2}}).<ref>This term is a nod to both ''Battlestar Galactica'' creator [[Glen A. Larson]] and [[Apogee, Inc.|the company]] formed by [[John Dykstra]].</ref>
* {{inlineref|Mother of Hermes}}: variation of the phrase "Mother of God"; [[Tassos]] uses this exclamation when {{alt|Starbuck|TOS-DE}} wrings [[Tassos]] by his tunic ({{comics|apocalypse|3}}).
* {{inlineref|nutszoidal}}: crazy, in a state of immense frustration ({{comics|vol2|9}}).
* {{inlineref|perdition's name}}: a form of "devil's name"; {{alt|Adama|TOS-DE}} uses this in an exasperated inquiry regarding a Cylon stealth team boarding ''Galactica'' ({{comics|apocalypse|1}}).
* {{inlineref|soil-grown mushies}}: a Colonial foodstuff believed by some to be a higher-quality counterpart to the more commonplace [[hydronic mushies]]; {{alt|Starbuck|TOS-DE}} won three cases of these in order to barter for a ring featuring [[Geminese sapphire]]s for {{alt|Cassiopeia|TOS-DE}} ({{comics|apocalypse|1}}-{{comics|apocalypse|3|short=y}}).
* {{inlineref|Spirit of Caprica}}: a saying often used in exaltation of an unbelievable miracle; {{alt|Adama|TOS}} utters this—"Spirit of Caprica preserve us."—when believing they have found {{alt|Earth|TOS}} within a [[storm zone]] ({{comics|vol2|8}}).

=== Cylons ===

* {{inlineref|alphad}}: equivalent to the Colonial "alpha," such a letter is used in the code confirming the legitimacy of the [[super basestar]]'s critical reactor failure ({{comics|doa|4}}).
*{{inlineref|betan}}: equivalent to the Colonial "beta," such a letter is used in the code confirming the legitimacy of the [[super basestar]]'s critical reactor failure ({{comics|doa|4}}).
*{{inlineref|cautionary myth}}: early Cylon conditional programming that was unsuccessful, and "remembered" only by [[IL-series]] units, e.g. {{alt|Lucifer}} ({{comics|vol3|4}}).
*{{inlineref|clankies}}: Colonial slang for Cylons; used by {{alt|Boxey|TOS-DE}} during {{alt|Adama|TOS-DE}}'s Fleet-wide speech ({{comics|apocalypse|1}}).
* {{inlineref|Meclon|[[Meclons]]}}: a rogue cast of Cylons from Cylon [[cautionary myth]]s, and later applied to {{alt|Iblis}} Cylon forces ({{comics|folly}}).
* {{inlineref|tin horn}}: Colonial slang for Cylons; used by the black market merchant aboard ''{{alt|Rising Star|TOS-DE}}'' from whom {{alt|Starbuck|TOS-DE}} acquires an engagement ring for {{alt|Cassiopeia|TOS-DE}} ({{comics|apocalypse|1}}).

=== Material ===

* {{inlineref|chromium}}: a material used in the threading of Colonial uniform braiding ({{comics|starbuck|4}}).
* {{inlineref|Geminese sapphire}}: a red precious gemstone used in jewelry; {{alt|Starbuck|TOS-DE}} acquires a ring made with these sapphires in order to propose marriage to {{alt|Cassiopeia|TOS-DE}} ({{comics|apocalypse|3}}).

=== Military ===

==== General ====

* {{inlineref|blue shift}}: duty cycle 12 [[centar]]s in length, beginning in the evening and ending in the early morning ({{comics|vol2|6}}).
* {{inlineref|cerebral law}}: law enacted by Doctor [[Gaius Zee]] when assuming total command of the [[The Fleet (TOS)|Fleet]] after [[Adama (1980 alternate)|Adama]]'s death at the hands of the Thirteenth Tribe ({{comics|1980|2}}).
* {{inlineref|command blues}}: slang for the uniform worn by officers, like {{alt|Tigh|TOS}} and {{alt|Athena|TOS}} ({{comics|vol2|9}}).
* {{inlineref|Command Core}}: alternate name for [[Core Command]] ({{comics|vol2|7}}).
* {{inlineref|contact alarm}}: klaxon denoting potential enemy contact ({{comics|vol2|8}}). 
* {{inlineref|D-com Warrior}}: "Decompression {{alt|Colonial Warrior}}," equipped to handle decompression situations; a force of D-com Warriors is dispatched to repel a Cylon boarding party that attempts to recover the [[nano-cybrid]] from ''{{alt|Galactica|TOS}}''{{'|s}} [[science deck]] ({{comics|apocalypse|2}}).
* {{inlineref|defense net}}: a network of automated defenses around each of the [[Twelve Colonies of Man|Colonies]] ({{comics|starbuck|1}}).
*{{inlineref|full rate}}: maximum firing rate during an engagement ({{comics|doa|4}}).
* {{inlineref|habitation chamber}} or {{inlineref|hab-pod}}: crew quarters, such as those aboard ''{{alt|Galactica|TOS}}'' ({{comics|vol2|9}}).
* {{inlineref|half-cycle handover}}: the transition period between military shifts ({{comics|vol2|6}}).
* {{inlineref|Officer of the Watch}}: commanding officer in effective command during a duty cycle ({{comics|vol2|6}}).
* '''[[Q-Cache]]''': a military storage depot, many are placed throughout known space for Colonial forces to resupply ({{comics|vol2|2}}).
* {{inlineref|red shift}}: duty cycle 12 [[centar]]s in length, beginning in the morning and ending in the early evening ({{comics|vol2|6}}).
* {{inlineref|snuff dive}}: a terminal dive ({{comics|doa|2}}).
* {{inlineref|time cycle}}: a military work shift ({{comics|vol2|6}}).
* {{inlineref|top tier}}: the top most tier of [[Core Command]], where the Commander's Station is located ({{comics|vol2|6}}).

==== Squadrons and Forces ====

* {{inlineref|Blue Flight}}/{{inlineref|Blue Squadron}}: interchangeable designation for a fighter squadron
** During the events of leading up to [[Adama's Gambit]], Blue Flight was lead by {{alt|Apollo|TOS}}, consisting of {{alt|Boomer|TOS}}, {{alt|Jolly}}, and {{alt|Sheba}} ({{comics|vol2|6}}).
* {{inlineref|Blue Leader}}: leader of Blue Flight ({{comics|vol2|6}}).
* {{inlineref|blue patrol}}: identifier for a patrol dispatched from ''{{alt|Galactica|TOS}}'' ({{comics|vol2|8}}).
* {{inlineref|Bronze Star Squadron}}: ''{{alt|Galactica|TOS}}'' squadron ({{comics|apocalypse|3}}).
* {{inlineref|Red Flight}}/{{inlineref|Red Squadron}}: interchangeable designation for a fighter squadron
** During the events of leading up to [[Adama's Gambit]], Red Flight was lead by {{alt|Starbuck|TOS}}, consisting of [[Breena]], {{alt|Greenbean}}, and [[Hightail]] ({{comics|vol2|6}}).
**In [[7358 (alternate)|7358]], Red Flight consists of [[Boomer (TOS-DE alternate)|Boomer]], [[Sheba (TOS-DE alternate)|Sheba]], Greenbean and Breena ({{comics|doa|4}}).
* {{inlineref|Red Leader}}: leader of Red Flight ({{comics|vol2|6}}).
* {{inlineref|Silver Spar Squadron}}: ''{{alt|Pegasus|TOS}}'' squadron, reassigned to ''{{alt|Galactica|TOS}}'' following the [[Battle of Gamoray]], later lead (at times) by Lieutenant {{alt|Sheba|TOS-DE}} ({{comics|apocalypse|3}}, {{comics|classic|1}}).

==== Strategies ====

* {{inlineref|Attack Pattern Omega}}: a defensive posture employed by {{alt|Lucifer}}'s {{alt|Raider|TOS}}s against the [[Meclons]] ({{comics|vol3|2}}).
* {{inlineref|Beton Beton Five}}: a defense strategy employed during [[Adama's Gambit]], ordered by {{alt|Athena|TOS}} ({{comics|vol2|11}}).
* {{inlineref|Diamond Spread}}: flight pattern employed by Vipers ({{comics|vol2|6}}).
*{{inlineref|mutli-split}}: Viper maneuver sprung from a formation during a battle; [[Boomer (TOS-DE alternate)|Boomer]] orders this during the dogfight outside of the [[super basestar]] ({{comics|doa|4}}).
*{{inlineref|quad formation}}: formation of four Vipers that regroup during a battle; [[Boomer (TOS-DE alternate)|Boomer]] orders this during the dogfight outside of the [[super basestar]] ({{comics|doa|4}}).
* {{inlineref|trailing line}}: flight pattern employed by Vipers ({{comics|vol2|6}}).

=== Technology ===
* {{inlineref|braking jet}}: [[RCS|reaction control thrusters]] on [[Viper (TOS-DE alternate)|Vipers]] used to arrest momentum; Viper pilots use braking jets to allow Raiders to overshoot, thus allowing the Warrior to gain targeting lock by quickly switching from being on the enemy's fore to aft ({{comics|doa|4}}).
*{{inlineref|datanet}}: an information network, e.g. internet; each colony has its own, such as the {{inlineref|Aerian datanet}} for {{alt|Aeries}} ({{comics|starbuck|2}}).
*{{inlineref|deep-pulse}}: form of long-range scanning technology employed by the Colonials ({{comics|doa|1}}).
* {{inlineref|emergency tracker}}: device outfitted on Colonial Vipers, used to track (or allow tracking of) other Vipers in need of assistance ({{comics|vol2|4}}).
* {{inlineref|environment mask}}: basic breathing apparatus meant for short-term emergency use; Dr. {{alt|Wilker|TOS-DE}} keeps such in his lab, and they are later put to use during the Cylon boarding of ''Galactica'' ({{comics|apocalypse|2}}).
* {{inlineref|exo-lifter}}: a mechanical apparatus, likely an exoskeleton (ergo, "exo") capable of heavy-duty tasks ({{comics|vol2|6}}).
* {{inlineref|fusion missile}}: ranged offensive ordnance of {{alt|battlestar|TOS}}s ({{comics|vol2|11}}).
* {{inlineref|gamma frequency field}}: energy dampening field; in order to prevent communications to other {{alt|Cylons|TOS-DE}}, {{alt|Boomer|TOS-DE}} engages such a field around a {{alt|Centurion|TOS}} prisoner while it is restrained in ''{{alt|Galactica|TOS}}''{{'|s}} [[detention chamber]] ({{comics|apocalypse|2}}).
* {{inlineref|gravitic warhead}}: ordnance capable of collapsing a wormhole; {{alt|Adama|TOS-DE}} deploys it upon the [[Canopus wormhole]] in order to prevent further Cylon pursuit of {{alt|the Fleet|TOS-DE}} ({{comics|apocalypse|4}}).
* {{inlineref|holo-cube}}: a hand-held digital device in the shape of a cube, capable of projecting a holographic image ({{comics|vol2|1}}).
* {{inlineref|planetary expeditionary vehicle carrier}}: also known as a "PEV" craft; ''[[Gemini (TOS)|Gemini]]'' is such a craft and is capable of launching smaller craft (such as [[turbine]]s) on a planet's surface ({{comics|1980|4}}).
* {{inlineref|pocket grenade}}: explosive anti-personnel device carried by Colonial Warriors; {{alt|Starbuck|TOS-DE}} uses a device to cause a hull breach in Dr. {{alt|Wilker|TOS-DE}}'s science lab when the Cylons attempt to recover the [[nano-cybrid]] ({{comics|apocalypse|2}}).
* {{inlineref|radiation charge}}: device capable of emitting radiation, enough to render {{TOS|tylium}} worthless ({{comics|annual2014}}).
*{{inlineref|radiotelegraph probe}}: form of long-range scanning technology employed by the Colonials ({{comics|doa|1}}).
* {{inlineref|stealth probe}}: clandestine Colonial reconnaissance device ({{comics|apocalypse|1}}).
* {{inlineref|tractor field}}: technology used to ensnare spacecraft; in an [[alternate reality]], a {{alt-r|Raider}} ensnares {{alt|Starbuck|TOS}}'s [[Temporal Viper]] in one ({{comics|vol2|2}}).

=== Temporal Mechanics ===

* {{inlineref|temporal storm}}: a convergence of tachyon and other energies capable of bridging two disparate realities ({{comics|vol2|2}} & {{comics|vol2|5|short=y}}).
* {{inlineref|temporal drive}} / {{inlineref|t-drive}}: engine powering the temporal warper ({{comics|vol2|5}}).
* '''[[temporal weapon]]''': defensive/offensive technology capable of warping space-time for military purposes that, due to its inherently unpredictable and far-reaching nature, the Colonials have outlawed ({{comics|vol2|1}}).
* {{inlineref|time mirage}}: a form of temporal displacement where, to a viewer, an object is frozen in space-time, but interaction with it is impossible ({{comics|vol2|2}}).
* {{inlineref|time-warp}} or {{inlineref|temporal warp}}: a means of conveyance of an object in both space and time, either controlled or uncontrolled ({{comics|vol2|2}}).

=== Units of Measure ===

* {{inlineref|light-yahren}}: Colonial term for [[w:lightyear|lightyear]] ({{comics|1980|1}}).<ref>This term is also used in ''[[Encyclopedia Galactica]]''.</ref>

=== Miscellany ===
* {{Inlineref|aldarium belt}}: asteroid belt; {{Alt|Starbuck|TOS-DE}} promises {{Alt|Serina|TOS-DE}} that he would bring {{Alt|Apollo|TOS-DE}} back from his mission, even if it meant dragging him a hundred [[Hectar|hectars]] through this belt ({{Comics|vol1|1}}).
* {{inlineref|decompression sickness}}: a physically and mentally exhausting event occurring after experiencing atmospheric decompression; {{alt|Starbuck|TOS-DE}} blames this sickness after awakening in [[life sciences]] and mis-identifying {{alt|Cassiopeia|TOS-DE}} as {{TOS|Aurora}} ({{comics|apocalypse|1}}).
* {{inlineref|delta-class telepath}}: individual possessing high psionic potential, capable of being detected by hand scanners ({{comics|vol2|9}}).
* {{inlineref|first contact}}: a Colonial protocol dealing with communications to a new civilization ({{comics|vol2|9}}).
*{{inlineref|full rate}}: a weapon's maximum fire rate, i.e. "weapons free" ({{comics|doa|4}}).
* {{inlineref|full retro}}: engine on full burn, {{alt|Starbuck|TOS}} compares Doctor [[Madusa]] beauty to being "hotter than a thruster on full retro" ({{comics|vol2|7}}).
* {{inlineref|handshake signal}}: the opening transmission commencing [[first contact]] protocols ({{comics|vol2|9}}).
* {{inlineref|Hovian}}: a sector containing a planet known for its unique magnetic field, capable of attracting derelict ships much like [[Iblis' planet]] ({{comics|vol3|1}}).
* {{inlineref|hyper-fast}}: euphemism for extreme speed ({{comics|vol2|6}}).
* {{inlineref|ideo-psion}}: a mental aberration, an incongruent thought like "wishful thinking" ({{comics|doa|3}}).
* {{inlineref|mega-static discharge}}: created by high [[energon]]s that can accumulate around craft before they eventually discharge ({{comics|vol2|6}}).
* {{inlineref|positive array lock}}: a sensor lock ({{comics|vol2|9}}).
* {{inlineref|power-dead}}: electrical blackout ({{comics|vol2|6}}). 
* {{Inlineref|protein bar}}: foodstuff ({{Comics|vol1|1}}).
*'''[[psionic]]''': someone with mental powers, also used to describe aforesaid powers themselves ({{Comics|vol2}} & {{Comics|doa}})
*{{inlineref|telepathic overload}}: a mental condition, the result of using psionic potential beyond the human mind's ability to cope ({{comics|vol2|9}}).
* {{Inlineref|ticophine}}: chemical in [[fumarello]] products causing withdrawal symptoms, akin to {{W|nicotine}} ({{Comics|vol1|1}}).
* {{Inlineref|ventle steak}}: a type of meat, known to be served cooked ({{Comics|vol1|1}}).
* {{inlineref|void lightning}}: electrical discharges within a quantum storm zone ({{comics|vol2|6}}).

==Marvel Comics==

* {{inlineref|armistice}}: a term referring to the falsely believed-in peace between the Colonials and Cylons ({{comics|marvel|1}}).
* {{inlineref|liesuron}}: a furlough; {{alt|Apollo|TOS}} tells {{alt|Zac}} that he expects that all the {{alt|Warrior}}s will be given this after the armistice ({{comics|marvel|1}}).
** '''Note''': This is an alternate spelling of the canonical term "[[leisuron]]," also used by {{TOS|Apollo}} when discussing his participation in the recon patrol prior to the [[Battle of Cimtar]] {{OS|Saga of a Star World}}.
* {{inlineref|quadron}}: a unit of astral distance; the {{alt|Imperious Leader}}'s {{alt|basestar|TOS}} is "several hundred quadrons" away from {{alt|Carillon}} ({{comics|marvel|3}}). 
* {{inlineref|supreme star force}}: {{alt|Cylons|TOS|Cylon}} attack force; {{alt|Imperious Leader}} dispatches the star force stationed at [[Borallus]] to attack {{alt|the Fleet|TOS}} at {{alt|Carillon}} ({{comics|marvel|3}}).

==Maximum Press comics==
* {{inlineref|ion storm}}: a spatial disturbance, one that creates a malfunction in [[Cyrus (Cylon)|Cylon 8765]] (''[[The Rebirth of Cy, Part 1]]'').

== Realm Press comics ==

* {{inlineref|Psych-Med}}: mental health specialist, e.g. Doctor [[Ishtara]] ({{Comics|Fear of Flying}}).

== Unproduced Scripts ==
* {{inlineref|barrier wave}}: a wave of turbulence, such a wave strikes ''Galactica'' and the Fleet during their proximity to the [[Beta Triangle]] {{OS|The Beta Pirates}}.
* {{inlineref|Fix-it}}: robotic machines that serve to repair ships, and are part of the salvage tug sent to repair the Gemini freighter. During {{TOS|Boomer}} and {{TOS|Starbuck}}'s review of the salvage tug's checklist, they check the readiness of the "Heavy-duty Fix-it" and the "Electronics Fix-it" {{OS|The Beta Pirates}}.
* {{inlineref|forcewave}}: another term for barrier wave {{OS|The Beta Pirates}}.
* {{inlineref|quarter-milliton}}: a time unit {{OS|The Beta Pirates}}. 
* {{inlineref|gyroball}}: a spherical toy larger than a marble {{OS|I Have Seen Earth}}.
* {{inlineref|sentinel buoy}}: a spheroid spy satellite with lens-systems and sensors that is used by the [[Cylons (TOS)|Cylons]]. One such satellite detects ''{{TOS|Galactica}}'' as she and her [[The Fleet (TOS)|Fleet]] skirt the outer boundary of the [[Beta Triangle]] {{OS|The Beta Pirates}}.

== References ==

{{reflist}}

[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:Lists|Terms]]
[[Category:TOS]]