For currant or former Marines

[SINWAGON]

"Leathernecks"

The Marines' long-standing nickname goes back to the leather stock or neckpiece, which was part of the Marine uniform from 1775 to1875. The leather bands around their necks were intended to ensure that Marines kept their heads erect.

"Gyrenes"

The term "gyrene" is a jocular reference to Marines which was first used in England as early as 1894. It was used in the United States around the time of World War I. Its exact origin is unknown, but it did appear to have a derogatory meaning in its early usage. It has been suggested that the term may embody a reference to pollywog, a naval slang term for a person who has not yet "crossed" [the equator], hence, a landlubber.

"Jarhead"

A slang term used by sailors as early as World War II to refer to members of the Marine Corps, drawing the term from the resemblance of the Marine dress blues uniform, with its high collar, to a Mason jar.

"Devil Dogs"

In the Belleau Wood fighting in 1918, the Germans received a thorough indoctrination in the fighting ability of the Marines. Fighting through supposedly impenetrable woods and capturing supposedly untakeable terrain, the persistent attacks, delivered with unbelievable courage soon had the Germans calling Marines "teufelhunden," referring to the fierce fighting dogs of legendary origin.

[MINIMOTOMike]

great post i have often wondered about some of the names the american armed forces used. I get a kick out of hearing the US drill instructors talk/yell .

[JOEM]

Originally Posted by MINIMOTOMike

great post i have often wondered about some of the names the american armed forces used. I get a kick out of hearing the US drill instructors talk/yell

You'd get a real "kick" if they were talking/yelling at you, boot.

[MINIMOTOMike]

I've done my time, the royal marines yell just as much I was referring to the twangy way they go about it, it just sort of flows as one long word.

[JOEM]

Thought the "jarheads" and "leathernecks" might enjoy this...

An atheist professor was teaching a college class and he told the class that he was going to prove that there is no God. He said, "God, if you are real, then I want you to knock me off this platform. I'll give uyou 15 minutes!"

Ten minutes went by. He kept taunting God, saying, "Here I am, God. I'm still waiting." He got down to the last couple of minutes and a U.S. Marine, just released from active duty in Iraq, and newly registered in the class, walked up to the professor, hit him full force in the face, and sent him flying from his platform.

The professor struggled up, obviously shaken and yelled, "What's the matter with you? Why did you do that?"

The Marine replied, "God was busy; He sent me."

Semper Fi!