Boot camp is the term used to describe a military training camp for new army recruits, which often involves very harsh discipline. It is now increasingly used for other residential events used for the purposes of training, education or rehabilitation, which follow a strict regimen and rules.

The term was first documented in 1944 as slang used by US Marines. It thought to derive from the use of the word "boots" during time of the Spanish-American War (started 1898), as a figure of speech to describe newly recruited soldiers.

I've been and am going again this year to a one-week Welsh boot camp. Although it is very strict: if you can't say it in Welsh, you are not allowed to say it; it is also great fun!

Just a fun side note. My husband is a marine, and all the new marines, sailors, soldiers, and airmen they call "boots." Anytime someone makes a huge mistake and they are new, or haven't seen war, or haven't been in long, you can here them being called or discribed as a "boot." I've heard from marines that they call them that because their boots are fresh and haven't seen many miles, just like they haven't. Lots of laughs! Again, just a fun side note. ;)

Good luck with your Welsh-speaking!

Recruits in basic training are boots until they graduate marine basic training to your promotion to private

Thank you! In its own way, it's certainly a tough challenge :)