cope cage
From Wiktionary, the free dictionary
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Etymology
Coined in 2022 to refer to the structures placed on Russian tank turrets during the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The word cope is used mockingly (referring to the slang meaning of cope: "delusion, coping mechanism"), as the cages were perceived to be ineffective against a lot of the weaponry used by the Ukrainian forces, such as Javelin anti-tank missiles.
Noun
cope cage (plural cope cages)
- (slang, derogatory) An improvised kit of slat armor (cage-like defensive structure placed upon an armoured vehicle, as (supposed) protection against explosive devices or loitering munitions).
- 2022 March, The Daily Signal:
- The nickname is “the cope cage,” to allow the crew to cope with the Javelins. And they’re about as effective as wearing a cloth mask to stop the spread of COVID.
- 2023 August 19, Business Insider:
- The Challenger tanks have been reinforced with "cope cages" — self-installed turret-mounted cages to safeguard the vehicles from drone strikes.
- 2023 August, Forbes:
- The most recent photo of a Ukrainian Challenger 2 to appear online depicts the tank with a turret-mounted cage that the crew clearly hopes will help to protect the vehicle from drone strikes. These “cope cages” are a battlefield expedient that brigades tend to install on their own as they’re getting ready to enter combat.
Further reading
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