MovieChat Forums > Patton (1970) Discussion > WTF

WTF

posted 8 years ago by ericsugarland
6 replies | jump to latest

Did anyone notice these letters on the fender flag of Patton's half-track early in the film? I have seen this movie dozens of times but never noticed it before. Does it have a legitimate meaning or do the letters mean what they mean today?

[–] Hotrodder 8 years ago

Western Task Force (US), commanded by Patton.
There were also General Lloyd Fredendall's Centre Task Force (US) and Lieutenant General Kenneth Anderson's Eastern Task Force (British/US).

Trust me. I know what I'm doing.

[–] ericsugarland 8 years ago

Hotrodder,

Thanks, I did not think that someone as strict as Patton was about military discipline and appearance would have such a flippant sign on his vehicle.

[–] Hotrodder 8 years ago

No problem, you're welcome. TBH given Patton's liking for salty language it wouldn't have surprised me if they did mean the usual alternative!

Trust me. I know what I'm doing.

[–] jd-276 8 years ago

I don't think that expression was in widespread use back then but it's a good observation. I sure didn't notice it.

[–] danmax67 8 years ago

You must be younger. Using the initials WTF only became a thing after the advent of the Internet and online chat. Before that, we actually said the phrase.

[–] DD-931 8 years ago

When I was in the Navy in the 1970s we would say Whiskey Tango Foxtrot.