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Going commando (or to go commando) is the phenomenon of not wearing underwear 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 soliders 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.
Uses on Television
American television script writers appear to be comfortable writing about the practice, but only in veiled terms. In a 1994 Seinfeld episode, Kramer goes commando for medical reasons, but the dialogue (I'm out there, Jerry, an' I'm lllovin' 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, shes wearing underwear Mrs. Landingham. She hasnt gone smokeless. [3] (http://communicationsoffice.tripod.com/2-13.txt)
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