Wikipedia
going commando
Going commando (or to go commando) is the phenomenon of not wearing underwear under one's outergarments in public. In American slang this phenomenon is also referred to as Freeballing (in the case of males not wearing underwear) and Freebuffing (in the case of females). A 2004 study of 7,000 people by the New York-based clothier Freshpair (http://www.freshpair.com/underwear_day.html) revealed that 9 percent of men and 7 percent of women go commando on a day-to-day basis, with an even higher percentage doing so on a semi-regular basis.

In British English the use of commando as a verb is a relatively recent phenomenon but increasingly common. The phrase and phenomenon is often used in a declaratory way (particularly by young women) to covertly create a frisson of sexual excitement or amusement amongst friends, sexual partners, etc. Modern British social mores generally recognise "going commando" as a "playful" behaviour (akin to a mild form of exhibitionism), and one that doesn't necessarily demonstrate an overtly sexual intent. However, it has to be recognised that in many cases there is a recognisable sexual element to the behaviour.

Earliest Uses
Slate's Daniel Engber dates the modern usage to 1974 college campuses, where it was perhaps an outgrowth of the Vietnam War [1] (http://slate.com/id/2112100/). The origins of the phrase are uncertain, with some speculating that it may refer to being "out in the open" or "ready for action." According to Engber many soldiers do go without underwear to "increase ventilation and reduce moisture." The earliest known use of the term in print is January 22, 1985 with Jim Spencer writing in the Chicago Tribune: "Furthermore, colored briefs are 'sleazy' and going without underwear ('going commando', as they say on campus) is simply gross."

Miltary significance
The term can also refer to being completely naked (i.e "going commando in a sleeping bag"). On completion of their "commando" course, British Royal Marines are known to drink together whilst wearing no clothing at all. Soldiers do, on longer operations in the field, "go commando" as it increases airflow to the genitals, whilst reducing the amount of administration required to carry and change underwear daily.

Uses on Television
In a 1994 Seinfeld episode, Kramer goes commando for medical reasons, but the line, I'm out there, Jerry, and I'm lovin' every minute of it!!! only hints at the true meaning. [2] (http://www.stanthecaddy.com/the-chinese-woman-script.html)

In a 2001 West Wing episode, the phrase "going smokeless" is used as a euphemism: Well, she’s wearing underwear Mrs. Landingham. She hasn’t gone smokeless. [3] (http://communicationsoffice.tripod.com/2-13.txt)

In a 1996 episode of the television show Friends, Joey and Rachel use the term "going commando" [4] (http://www.twiztv.com/scripts/friends/season3/friends-302.htm). In the producers commentary of the episode, they mention the fact that the phrase "going commando" entered the Oxford English Dictionary because of that particular episode.

It is also the subtitle of the second game in the Ratchet & Clank series.

Among Celebrities
The following celebrities have admitted openly (most of them in magazine and television interviews) to going commando regularly:

Kate Beckinsale, actress
Pat Burrell, athlete
Naomi Campbell, supermodel/actress
Helena Christensen, supermodel
Kelly Clarkson, singer
John Corbett, actor
Johnny Depp, actor
Jean Harlow, actress
Josh Hartnett, actor
Justin Hawkins, singer
Paris Hilton, heiress/TV personality
Lenny Kravitz, singer
Andy Roddick, athlete
Seann William Scott, actor
Tori Spelling, actress
Steve-O, TV personality
Sharon Stone, actress
Justin Timberlake, singer
Sid Vicious, singer
Meredith Vieira, talkshow host

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