What is "fragging"

frag \frag\ (fr[a^]g), v. t. [imp. & p. p. fragged (fr[a^]gd); p. pr. & vb. n. fragging.] [by shortening from fragmentation grenade; c

1. 1965.] (Mil.) To assault, especially to kill or wound, with a fragmentation grenade. [Slang]

   Note: This term became popularized when disaffected American troops serving in Vietnam were reported on occasion to kill unpopular commanders by the use of grenades.

n. (context US military slang English) The throwing of a fragmentation grenade at one's superior officer. vb. (present participle of frag English)

The term fragging is used to describe the deliberate killing or attempted killing by a soldier of a fellow soldier, usually a superior officer or non-commissioned officer. The word was coined by military personnel of the United States during the Vietnam War, when such killings were most often attempted with a fragmentation grenade, sometimes making it appear as though the killing was accidental or during combat with the enemy. The term fragging is now often used to encompass any means used to deliberately and directly cause the death of military colleagues.

The high number of fragging incidents in the latter years of the Vietnam War were symptomatic of the unpopularity of the war with the American public and the breakdown of discipline in the U.S. Armed Forces. Documented and suspected fragging incidents totaled nearly nine hundred from 1969 to 1972. Fragging has not been as frequent since the Vietnam War ended.