In US Navy slang (and possibly in other services), a sailor who has not yet crossed the Equator.

A polliwog, or wog for short, becomes a shellback during an initiation after the crossing.

Pol"li*wig (?), Pol"li*wog (?), n. [OE. polwigle. Cf. Poll head, and Wiggle.] Zool.

A tadpole; -- called also purwiggy and porwigle.

 

© Webster 1913.

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