GIB

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Meaning · English

Initialism of guy in back (someone who sits in the back of a jet).

Register: slang

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

You undoubtedly know that each F-4 Phantom jet carried two pilots in separate, tandem cockpits. Major Dennis Harper was the frontseater and was the AC or Aircraft Commander. Jim was the backseater or the GIB.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “GIB” mean?

Initialism of guy in back (someone who sits in the back of a jet).

Is “GIB” formal or informal?

GIB is generally slang.