erk

Definition

A member of the groundcrew in the RAF.

Etymology

Claimed to be a respelling of the abbreviation airc for aircraftsman; or else from irk.

Example Sentences

• "But I wasn’t accepted for flying duty—eyesight failed me. Neither was Frank, which, I’m ashamed to say, I found a relief. We were both channelled as aircrafthands, known to everyone as erks."