Jargon

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The Marine Corps culture is truly unique. It has its own way of dressing, acting, and talking. At times, the talk seems like code. Much of the jargon stems from Marine and Naval history, and acronyms are widely used. At first, it can be hard to understand.

Common Terms:

All Hands - All members of a command
As You Were - Resume former activity
Below - Downstairs
Bird - Any aircraft
Blouse - Cammie Shirt
Brass - Officers
Brig - Military Jail
Brown Bagger - Married Marine
Blouse - Cammie Shirt
Brass - Officers
Brig - Military Jail
Brown Bagger - Married Marine
Blouse - Cammie Shirt
Brass - Officers
Brig - Military Jail
Brown Bagger - Married Marine
Cammies - Camouflage uniform
Carry On - The order to resume previous activity
Chit - A receipt or authorization; a piece of paper
Chopper - Helicopter
Chow Hall - Where a Marine eats, like a cafeteria
Click - One kilometer or one notch of a rifle sight
Cover - Marine Corps Hat
Deck - Floor
Deuce and a half - 2.5 Ton Truck
Devildog - Another name for a Marine
Field Day - Barracks or Office cleanup
Float - Deployment by ship
Go-Fasters - Running shoes
Good to go - Ready to move, agree with, situation ok
Gouge - Any information or instructions, written or verbal.
Grunt - A Marine infantryman
Gung Ho - Very enthusiastic and committed
Hat - Drill Instructor
Hatch - Door/doorway
Head - Bathroom
High and Tight - Standard Marine haircut
Horn - Radio
Hump - Field March
Jarhead - Another name for a Marine
John Wayne - A grandstander, or descriptive of a bold act, or any act which is typical in the movies but not sound Marine procedure, such as firing a machine gun from the hip. Also, a simple can opener that can be carried on the dog tag chain.
Ink Stick - Black Pen