This page is dedicated to the terms that are used by Marines and are commonly used daily. This is only provided as a sort of a loose and informal dictionary of sorts for words that are Marine Corps specific, but that is not a rule. Some terms have evolved over the years. Enjoy!

782 Gear:  The equipment a Marine carries in the field, including a web belt, suspenders, ammunition pouches, canteens, etc. Also called Deuce-gear.

A Few Good Men: On 20 March 1779 in Boston, Capt. William Jones, USMC, advertised for “a few good men” to enlist in the Corps for naval duty.  The term seemed ideally suited for Marines, mainly because of the implication that “a few” good men would be enough.  This term has survived for over 200 years and has been synonymous with U.S. Marines ever since

ABOARD:  on base; with us.

A / O:  Area of Operations

ACE:  Air Combat Element

Actual:  A term to be used over the radio to specify the commander of the unit.

AD: Active Duty

Aft:  Referring to or toward the stern (rear) of a vessel.

AFU:  all f**ked up

Airdale:  Anyone in the air-wing

All hands: Everyone will be involved

AMTRACK:  amphibious tractor; landing craft.

AO DAI (Viet.):  formal attire worn by Vietnamese women.

AS YOU WERE!:  resume what you were doing; correction.

ASSHOLES AND ELBOWS:  in a hurry; quickly.

And a wake-up: Expression used when counting down the days before leaving an assignment or duty station.


AMFAlpha, Mike, Foxtrot, Adios Mother Fucker

Ammo: Ammunition

Ant Hill: An outpost that has a major communication center, a communications asset.

Arty: Artillery

ASAP: As soon as possible.

A.S.V.A.B: Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery. (Skills test) The test taken to join the military

As you were: Informal command given to inform the troops to continue on with what they were doing before they were interrupted by a higher rank entering the area.

Aye: Yes

Aye Aye: statement that is used when a Marine is given an order to complete an action. It differs from the mere “Yes Sir” because aye aye means “I understand the request AND I will comply and complete that request.

Azimuth: A compass heading for a destination, usually a target.

BA MUI BA (“33″):  Vietnamese beer.

BAC SI (Viet.):  Doctor, used for Corpsman.

BAM:  Broad Ass Marine; derogatory name for Woman Marine.

BARRACKS COVER:  garrison (frame) cap.

Barracks Rat: A nickname given to Marines who rarely voluntarily leave their living quarters.

BATTLE PIN:  necktie clip.

BCD:  Bad Conduct Discharge.

BELAY:  stop; quit.

BILLET:  assignment or job; place of residence.

BIRD:  aircraft.

BLOUSE:  n. jacket; v. tuck in, secure.

BLOUSING BANDS:  elastic bands used to secure utility trouser cuffs.

BLUES:  Dress Blue uniform

BLT:  Battalion Landing Team.

BOONDOCKS (BOONIES):  rugged isolated back country.

BOONDOCKERS:  low-topped work boots issued to reservists.

BOOT:  recruit.

BOO-COO:  (Fr. beaucoup) much, many.

BRAIN HOUSING GROUP:  your gourd, mind, brain, or head.

BRASS:  officers.

Bridge: The portion of a ship’s structure from which it is controlled.

BRIG:  jail.

BRIG RAT:  jail inmate.

BRIG CHASER:  MP assigned to escort prisoners.

BROTHER:  black Marine (also Splib).

BROWN SIDE-OUT:  desert camouflage pattern.

BULKHEAD:  wall.

BY-THE-NUMBERS:  in sequence.

CANNON COCKERS:  artillerymen.

CARRY ON!:  resume what you were doing; as you were.

CASUAL COMPANY:  unit of Marines awaiting reassignment.

CC:  Corrective Custody; jail, the brig.

CHUCK:  black Marine’s term for white Marine.

CG:  Commanding General.

CHIEU HOI (Viet.):  freedom; safe conduct pass; program whereby
VC who surrendered were assured safe conduct.

CHIMPO:  see choda.

Chinese field day:  A form of field day where all furniture in the room is removed for extensive cleaning.

CHIT:  written authorization or receipt.

CHODA:  same as chimpo.

CHOW:  food.

CHOW HALL:  mess hall.

CLICK:  one notch of adjustment on a rifle.

CINDERELLA LIBERTY:  time off which ends at midnight.

CO (Viet.):  girl, woman.

COLORS:  n. the flag; v. ceremony of raising or lowering the flag.

CON BIET? (Viet): do you understand?

C-RATS:  C rations, canned field rations.

COM RATS:  commuted rations; in lieu pay for meals eaten off base.

CORPSMAN:  Navy medic serving with Marines.

COVER:  hat.

COVER ASS:  take precautions to avoid blame.

Deck: Floor

Devil Dog:  The name “Teufel Hunden” was given to the Marines by the German enemies during World War I. The literal translation refers to bitch and was applied because the Marines fought like “dogs from hell”.

DEUCE-AND-A-HALF:  2 1/2 ton truck.

DI-DI (Viet.):  leave, go, move out.

DI-DI MAU  (Viet.):  emphatic of Di-di.

DIDDY BAG:  cloth, drawstring bag for small items.

DIDDY BOP:  swagger; affected walk.

DINK:  Vietnamese.

DINKY-DAU (Viet):  crazy.

DOG-AND-PONY-SHOW:  special presentation put on for visiting dignitaries.

DOUBLE TIME:  quickly; at a run.

DRY FIRE:  practice.

DRY RUN:  practice.

DU-DIT (Viet):  fuck you!

EIGHTH & I:  Headquarters Marine Corps.

ENTRENCHING TOOL (E-TOOL):  small folding field shovel.

“Esprit de Corps”: The “spirit” of a unit. This spirit is commonly reflected by all members. It implies devotion and loyalty to the Marine Corps, with deep regard for history, traditions and honor.

EVERY SWINGING DICK:  All hands, everyone.

EYE FUCK:  scrutinize; inspect closely.

FARTSACK:  mattress cover.

FEBA:  Acronym used for the Forward Edge of the Battle Area, the line of departure where a unit enters enemy territory.

F.O.: Forward Observer. Refers to the Marine that calls in (requests) indirect fire weapons, artillery, mortars, naval gunfire, air support.

FIELD DAY:  general cleanup of barracks.

FIELD SCARF:  necktie.

FIELD STRIP:  disassemble; take apart.

FIRE IN THE HOLE!:  warning that explosives are about to be detonated.

FIRST SHIRT (ALSO TOP):  First Sergeant.

FLOAT PHASE:  sea deployment of a Marine unit.

FMF:  Fleet Marine Force.

FOUR-BY:  light truck.

GALLEY:  kitchen.

GANG WAY!:  stand back! move away!

GEDUNK:  sweets or a store that sells sweets.

GEAR:  equipment.

GI CAN:  garbage can.

GIZMO:  gadget; anything that defies discription.

Good night, Chesty, wherever you are:  This is an often-used tribute of supreme respect to the late and legendary LtGen. Lewis B. “Chesty” Puller, USMC.  Chesty!  Without a doubt he was the most outspoken Marine, the most famous Marine, the Marine who really loved to fight, the most decorated Marine in the history of the Corps.   Chesty enlisted as a Private.  Through incredible fortitude and tenacity he became a living legend.  He shouted battle orders in a bellow and stalked battlefields as though impervious to enemy fire.  Chesty rose to the rank of Lieutenant General.  He displayed an abiding love for the Magnificent Grunts, especially the junior enlisted men who did the majority of the sacrificing and dying, and utter contempt for all staff pogues of whatever rank.  During his four wars, he became the only Marine to be awarded the Navy Cross five times.  The Marines’ Marine!  “Goodnight, Chesty, wherever you are.”

GOURD:  head; where you hang your cover.

GREEN SIDE-OUT:  woodland pattern camouflage.

GRAB A HAT:  leave.

GRINDER:  parade ground.

GUIDON:  pennant bearing unit designation.

GUNG HO:  lit. work together; (from Chinese) highly motivated.

GUNGY:  gung ho.

GUNNY:  Gunnery Sergeant.

GRABASS (ORGANIZED GRABASS):  play; sports, frivolous activity.

GREEN MACHINE:  Marine Corps.

GRUNT: A Marine infantryman

Gun: What a new recruit calls their rifle by mistake right before they get extra P.T.

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.

HAM:  Hairy Assed Marine; male Marine.

HAM AND MOTHERS:  “Ham and Motherfuckers;” generally detested C-ration meal
posing as ham and lima beans.

HATCH:  door.

HARD CHARGER:  motivated Marine.

HEAD:  bathroom, toilet.

HIGH-AND-TIGHT:  standard Marine haircut; shaved sides and short on top.

HOLLYWOOD MARINE:  San Diego MCRD graduate.

HOOCH (Jap.):  any kind of shelter, residence.

HONCHO (Jap.):  boss; man in charge.

HOUSE MOUSE:  Drill Instructor‘s go-fer.

HUMP:  to march; to carry; to be burdened with.

HUSS:  a favor; a break e.g., “gimme a huss;” archaic name for HU34D helicopter.

INCOMING!:  hostile fire being received!

IRISH PENNANT:  string dangling from clothing indicating unkempt appearance.

ITR:  Infantry Training Regiment.

Jarhead: A slang term for a Marine. One origin suggests that it is because of the high and tight haircut Marines are known for wearing. Another legend states it is because during World War II the Mason Jar Company stopped making jars and started making helmets for the Marine Corps.

JIBS:  teeth, esp. front incisors, e.g., “I’ll bust your jibs.”

JING (also jing-wa, Jap.): change; money.

Jody: The mythical guy that is home making time with your girlfriend, but today the term has evolved to also boyfriend since the advent of woman Marines.

JOE SHIT THE RAGMAN:  bad example, un-squared-away Marine,
boyfriend of Rosy Rottencrotch.

JUNK-ON-THE-BUNK:  complete clothing and equipment inspection
(also Things-on-the-Springs) laid out on the rack.

K-BAR:   Marine-issue fighting knife.

KLICK:  kilometer.

LADDER (or ladderway):  stairs.

LAI DAY (Viet.):  come here!

Leathernecks: The Marines’ long-standing nickname goes back to the leather stock or neck-piece, which was part of the Marine uniform from 1775 to 1875. The leather bands around their throats were intended to ensure that Marines kept their heads erect.

LEAVE:  authorized absence of more than 24 hours.

LIBERTY:  authorized absence of less than 24 hours.

LOCK AND LOAD:  arm and ready your weapon; get ready!

MAKE A HOLE!:  stand back! gang way!

MAGGIE’S DRAWERS:  red disc used on the rifle range to signify missing the target.

MRE: Meal ready to eat. Rations that Marines are issued while in the field.

MOS:  Military Occupational Speciality or  assigned job specialty.

Mustang: A Marine that was an enlisted person that has for whatever reason left the ranks of the enlisted and has been promoted to the rank of a Commissioned Officer.

NON-QUAL:  Marine who fails to fire a qualifying score at the rifle range. Non-Qualified

OFFICE HOURS:  summary court marshal, official inquiry or reprimand.

OFFICE POGUE:  desk-bound Marine.

Once a Marine, Always a Marine:  This truism is now the official motto of the Marine Corps League.  The origin of the statement is credited to a gung-ho Marine Corps master sergeant, Paul Woyshner.  During a barroom argument he shouted, “Once a Marine, always a Marine!”  MSgt. Woyshner was right.  Once the title “U.S. Marine” has been earned, it is retained.  There are no ex-Marines or former-Marines.
There are
(1) active duty Marines
(2) retired Marines
(3) reserve Marines
(4) Marine veterans.
Nonetheless, once one has earned the title, he remains a Marine for life.

ONTOS:  armored tracked vehicle mounting six 106 mm recoilless rifles.

OUTSTANDING!:  exceptional; well done!

OVERHEAD:  ceiling.

OVER THE HILL:  absent without authorization.

OVER THE HUMP:  more than halfway through enlistment.

PASSAGEWAY:  corridor; hallway.

PIECE:  rifle or howitzer

PISS CUTTER:  envelope-shaped cover.

PISS-AND-PUNK:  bread and water punishment.

PISS TUBE:  field urinal; rocket launcher (bazooka) which resembles one.

POGUE:  lazy individual, also office worker.

POGEY BAIT:  candy, sweets.

POLICE CALL:  time allocated to clean up an area.

POLICE UP:  clean up.

POOP (also dope, scoop):  information.

POP-FLARE:  hand held and launched aerial illumination flare.

Port: Left

POTUS:  Acronym used to abbreviate President of the United States. It was originally used by the Secret Service.

PT:  Physical Training; exercise.

QUARTERS:  living space.

RACK:  bed, bunk.

RAPPEL:  descend from cliff or helicopter by rope.

RECON  (also Force Recon):  Force Reconnaissance Marine.

ROMP ‘N’ STOMP:  to drill, march.

ROUND:  bullet or artillery or mortar shell.

RUBBER LADY:  inflatable air mattress.

SALT:  experience; an old-timer Marine.

SALTY:  smart-mouthed; opinionated.

SCOSHI (or scosh’):  small, short, a little bit.

SCUTTLEBUTT:  rumors; a drinking fountain.

SEABAG:  duffel bag.

SEA DUST:  Naval term used for table salt.

SEA DUTY:  billeted aboard a ship.

SEA GOING BELLHOP:  derog. for Marine, from Marines assigned to the bridge
of a vessel.


SEA STORY:  a lie or an exaggeration.

SEA LAWYER:  self-appointed expert.

SECURE:  tie down or make fast; also to recycle or dispose of;
to put something in its proper place; to desist.

“Semper Fi”:  “Semper Fidelis” (Latin for Always Faithful), as in Semper Fidelis – - Always faithful – - to God, Country, and Corps. It is proven by the fact that there has never been a mutiny among U.S. Marines. This motto was adopted about 1883. Before that, there had been three mottoes, all traditional rather than official. The first, “Fortitudine” (With Fortitude), appeared about 1812. The second, “By Sea and by Land,” was obviously a translation of the Royal Marines’ “Per Mare, Per Terram.” Until 1848, the third motto was “To the Shores of Tripoli,” in commemoration of O’Bannon’s capture of Derne in 1805. In 1848, after the return to Washington of the Marine battalion which took part in the capture of Mexico City, this motto was revised to “From the Halls of Montezuma to the Shores of Tripoli.” The current Marine Corps motto is shared with England’s Devonshire Regiment.

SEVEN-EIGHTY-TWO GEAR:  field equipment; canvas web gear.

SHIT BIRD:  messy or undisciplined; a fuck up.

SHIT CAN:  (v) to dispose of; (n) garbage can.

SHORT:  nearing the end of a tour of duty or enlistment.

SHORT ROUND:  ordnance which is landing short of the intended target.

SHORT TIME:  a very brief love affair.

SHORTTIMER:  Marine nearing the end of an enlistment period.

Shower shoe:  A nickname of endearment given to junior Marines fresh from boot camp… before they reach the nickname of “boot.”

SLRP:  Acronym used for Survey, Liaison & Reconnaissance Party – an organization formed from a Marine air-ground task force and Navy support element, which is introduced into an objective area prior to arrival of the fly-in echelon.

SICK BAY:  clinic or hospital.

SIX-BY (six-by-six):  standard three-axle truck.

SIX-SIX-AND-A-KICK:  The ultimate General court marshal punishment consisting
of six months forfeiture of pay, six months hard labor,
and a dishonorable discharge.

SKIPPER:  captain; commanding officer.

SKIVVIES:  underwear.

SKIVVIE HONCHO:  a lothario; a ladies man.

SKIVVIE HOUSE:  brothel.

SLOPCHUTE:  diner; restaurant.

SMOKING LAMP:  authority to smoke when it is lit.

SNAP IN:  practice, esp. on the rifle range.

SNOOPIN’ AND POOPIN’:  reconnoitering.

SNOT LOCKER:  nose.

SOUND OFF!:  assertively voice.

SORRY ‘BOUT THAT!:  assertion of mock apology.

SPUD LOCKER:  pantry.

SQUAD BAY:  barracks.

SQUARED AWAY:  neat, orderly, organized.

SQUID:  (derog.) sailor.

STACK ARMS!:  command given to place 3 rifles in a pyramid.

STACKING SWIVEL:  appendage near muzzle of rifle allowing stacked arms; neck.

STAND BY!:  prepare.

STANDBY:  waiting status.

STARCHIES:  starched utilities.

STROKE BOOK:  porno magazine.

SURVEY:  dispose of; recycle.

SWAB:  mop.

SWABBIE:  sailor.

TI TI (Viet.) (pron. tee-tee):  little, small.

Toilet Seat:  Refers to the lowest shooting medal a Marine may earn while on the rifle shooting range.

TOP:  Sergeant Major.

TOPSIDE:  upstairs; on deck.

TROPS:  khaki tropical summer dress uniform.

TURN TO:  begin work.

UA:  Unauthorized Absence.

UD:  Undesirable Discharge.

Uncommon Valor: Refers to the victories in World War II, especially at Iwo Jima, the largest all Marine battle in history. Admiral Nimitz’s ringing epitome of Marine fighting on Iwo Jima was applied to the entire Marine Corps in World War II: “Uncommon valor was a common virtue.”

UTILITIES:  olive drab field uniform.

Water Buffalo:  The tow behind trailer used during field operations to provide water for troops in the field.

WILLIE PETER:  white phosphorus.

THE WORD:  confirmed official information; the straight scoop.

Yellow Footprints: When a recruit steps off the bus at a Marine Corps Recruit Depot the first order they receive will be to stand on the yellow footprints.  The term simply refers to the yellow footprints painted on the deck just outside the bus, but the full meaning is actually burnished into a Marine’s memory.  The term is ALWAYS associated with the first command a recruit receives when they arrive at boot camp and are ordered to get off the bus and get on the “yellow footprints”.

ZERO-DARK-THIRTY:  pre-dawn; early.