About This Quiz
The United States military is notorious for its overuse of esoteric jargon and acronyms, and the Marine Corps is no exception. These men and women use so many unofficial terms that civilians often have no idea what they’re talking about. In this quiz, do you think you really understand Marine slang?
In the military, slang is often a sneaky way to be derisive without being directly insulting. It’s also frequently deployed as shorthand, a fast way to communicate ideas without having to explain concepts over and over again. Everyone in the Marines knows that an SRB is a Service Record book, a detailed account of a Marine’s actions and performance during an enlistment period.
And SNM is “said named Marine,” a way to refer to the same Marine in an official document without having to spell out his or her name repeatedly. Do you think you can identify other common Marine acronyms?
Not all Marine slang is official. Many terms – some of which are too vulgar to repeat in this quiz – are phrases that these men and women use in casual conversation. “Shellbacks” are those Marines who have crossed the equator during their journeys. And of course, “over the hill” Marines are the graying Marines who have spent much of their lives in the service. Do you remember other slang terms that you’ve heard Marines use?
OK, “Mustangs,” let’s find out if you’re a real leatherneck or if you need to go back to the Army. Take this Marine slang quiz now!
"Dual-cool" Marines have badges for both diving and parachuting. They are ultra-capable soldiers.
A "terminal lance" is a lance corporal whose enlistment is nearly up … and he won't be promoted before then.
Marine Corps Base Hawaii is sometimes called "K-Bay." For obvious reasons, K-Bay is a desirable post.
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Marines who are recent graduates of boot camp are often simply called "boots." They have a long way to go to earn the respected of veteran soldiers.
In the olden days, troops kept fire watch to literally watch for fires. In the Marines, fire watch is guard duty.
Wingers are aviation Marines. They're the men and women who take to the skies for a plethora of missions.
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Every week, there is a "field day," and it's not really as fun as it sounds. It means you'll be doing some hardcore cleaning around the base.
They are the Hollywood Marines -- the men and women who complete training at the base in San Diego.
To "skate" is to be lazy and avoid responsibility. Some Marines take pride in their skating ability.
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"Rah" is short for "oorah," an enthusiastic greeting, or an exclamation. It can also be used in question form … "rah?"
"Two-digit midgets" are often the envy of other Marines. It means that the soldier has 99 days (or less) remaining in her enlistment.
"Zero" is a quick and easy way for a commander to indicate that he needs the attention of his Marines.
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It's a play on the Marines motto: "Semper Fi." "Semper Fu" (a play on kung fu), is martial arts for Marines.
"Box kickers" have boring Marine jobs. They're the people who catalog and move supplies.
In the Marines, if everyone is "aboard," all men and women are accounted for. It means the unit can move on to its next objective.
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It's a term of derision reserved for the guys who messes up continually -- Lance Cpl. Schmuckatelli. He's the man (or woman) who seems to screw up every possible task.
If you're a Marine in combat, you can't forget your brain bucket. That helmet might deflect shrapnel and bullets and keep you safe.
In the Marines, ARMY is an amusing acronym. It means, "Ain't Ready to be a Marine Yet."
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The Marines motto is "Semper Fi," which means "always faithful." "Semper I" means a Marine has acted selfishly, serving the "I" instead of the team.
"Kill" is not always an order to take a life. In the Marines, it may simply be an exclamation used in many different situations.
For some Marines, being discharged is a wonderful day. It means he or she is "back on the block."
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"BCG" are boot camp glasses, and they are as clunky as they sound. Marines don't wear their for their fashion appeal.
Need to get rid of some military junk? "Deep six" it by tossing it overboard.
A "ninja punch" is non-judicial punishment. It's when a commanding officer punishes a Marine, but without resorting to the justice system.
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It's a tradition of sorts in the Marines. The oldest guy in the unit is called the "grand old man," and he's seen some stuff.
Marines rarely eat amazing meals. "Bag nasty" is another insulting term used to describe terrible field rations.
"Yut" is another term for enthusiastic affirmation. "Soldier, do you want to blow up stuff?" "Yut!"
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"Bug juice" is insect repellent. In some areas, it's the difference between Marines being comfortable or miserable.
PowerPoint rangers are the men and women who do tours of duty -- in an office. They are the Marines who mostly do battle with Blue Screens of Death.
"BAMCIS" is a celebratory work marking a task's completion. It's an acronymy for the Marines troop leadership steps. In short, it stands for begin planning, arrange reconnaissance, make reconnaissance, complete the planning, issue the order, and supervise.
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