Originally Posted by Garryowen

from wiki:

In U.S. Navy jargon, gouge is the essential piece of information; the heart of the matter; or outstanding test-preparation material (such as an old test copy). A person who is tired of hearing all the extraneous information surrounding a problem might exclaim "Just give me the gouge!" Also used generally as a mark of excellence: "Did you see his sweet new car? It's totally gouge."

Originated at the U.S. Naval Academy and introduced from there into the wider navy, where it sees less frequent usage.