Iron Coffin


iron coffin was a rueful term coined by german submarine (“u-boot” or “u-boat”) crews to describe their vessels during world war ii. this term reflected the submariners’ awareness that submarines are usually sunk while they are submerged, so that the crew of a sunken submarine is interred forever in the hull at the bottom of the sea.

the term is descriptive and makes the desired point, although during the war submarines were made of steel, not iron.

the truth of the term is evident in the fact that between 28,000 and 39,000 u-boat men died in the war, representing a casualty rate between 75% and 90%. the lesser number is most often quoted. the wide difference in estimates may result from the fact that many u-boat men died in air attacks while ash-r-, or were killed after being re–ssigned to army units during the last months of the conflict.

in the early 1970s the term gained some familiarity among english speakers after the publication of a memoir of the same name written by herbert werner, a former u-boat commander.
when a submarine sinks, it becomes an iron coffin.

Read Also:

  • throw the gun

    after an arguement is lost or an idividual has been outwitted, the loser, backed in the proverbial corner, takes the low road and resorts to personal cheapshots or name calling as opposed to facts. basically the individual has made a last ditch effort and like on the movies, “throws the gun” because he has run […]

  • iroda

    -she’s a genius -always caring for others -so beautiful -tries her hardest at everything she does -lots of people admire her omg, iroda is so amazing, did you hear about what she did? -a narcissistic little b-tch. -likes to correct everyone -always thinks she’s right -likes to randomly blow up on someone -has a hard […]

  • iron cross wearer

    an iron cross wearer is another way to say “skin head”. or one that is a racist caucasin, that wears the independant label frequently. another characteristic of an iron cross wearer is to be over religous. like people in riverside! “that town is filled with good-for-nothing iron cross wearers.”

  • thuglifesown

    a f-cking legend www.illrap.com thuglifesown is the greatest

  • thunder muscle

    p-n-s, usually hard drink that thunder muscle down, baby!


Disclaimer: Iron Coffin definition / meaning should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional. All content on this website is for informational purposes only.