swift boat

Meanings

Noun

• A small, shallow draft water vessel used by the United States navy for counterinsurgency (COIN) operations during the Vietnam War; Fast Patrol Craft (PCF).

Verb

• to put forth sensational negative stories about a political figure as part of a smear campaign against them, especially regarding their military record

Origin

• From a 2004 campaign by political group Swift Boat Veterans for Truth to challenge the legitimacy of each combat medal awarded by the U.S. Navy to presidential candidate John Kerry, and the disposition of his discharge.