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Why Do Marines Call Each Other Pork? Unpacking the Military Jargon

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Even though everyone in the Corps speaks and writes English most of the time, there is also a layer of Marine-only language on top. If you spend enough time with Marines, you’ll hear someone being called a “boot” or dozens of them yelling “yut.” ”.

This word is short for “Oohrah,” which is a Marine greeting or way of showing excitement similar to “Hooah” or “Hooyah” in the Army or Navy. ” Rah, however, is a bit more versatile. You could be agreeing with someone, by saying “rah. If you say “Rah!” you could be excited about going on a mission, or you could be asking your platoon if everyone gets it.

The United States Marine Corps has a culture all its own, complete with unique uniforms, traditions, and language. Marines speak a slightly different dialect than the rest of the military branches. They have their own distinct lingo full of acronyms, expressions, and slang terms. One such term that can confuse outsiders is “pork” – so why do Marines call each other pork?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the meaning, origins, and usage of “pork” as a nickname for fellow Marines. We’ll also cover other popular Marine Corps jargon and shed light on military terminology. So grab your ka-bar and let’s dive in!

What Does “Pork” Mean in Marine Lingo?

In the Marine Corps troops often refer to their fellow Marines or Marine buddies as “pork.” This is not meant as an insult but rather as an odd term of endearment or sign of affection. Calling a Marine “pork” is akin to saying “bud,” “pal,” or “brother.”

For example, a Marine may greet his squadmate by saying “Hey pork, let’s grab chow” or “Rise and shine pork chops!” It’s typically used between Marines who are friends or share a close bond. Drill instructors may also call recruits pork

The term is exclusive to the Marines – you’d never hear an Army soldier or Navy sailor use this nickname That’s part of what makes the jargon unique to the Corps

Origins and History of “Pork” as Marine Lingo

The exact origins of using “pork” or “pork chop” to refer to a fellow Marine are murky. However, the term has been an integral part of the Marine lexicon for decades.

There are a few theories about how it came about:

  • Shared rations – In WWII, Marines may have called each other pork after their shared C-rations which often included pork luncheon meat. Eating together bred camaraderie.

  • Leathernecks – One account claims the nickname derives from the leather neck-guards Marines wore in the late 1800s. The leather supposedly resembled the skin of a roasted pig.

  • Insult adaptation – Early Marine recruits were derisively called “gobs of pork” by old Navy salts. The Marines adopted the insult as their own moniker.

Whatever its exact origin, “pork” has stuck as an established term in Marine culture and tradition over generations. It hearkens back to the unique fellowship, resilience, and improvisation of Marines.

How Marines Use “Pork” in Conversation

Marines sprinkle the term “pork” liberally in all manner of conversations and contexts. For instance:

  • “Let’s go porks, gear up!”

  • “We really smoked those porks in the inter-squad wargame.”

  • “Quit lollygagging pork chop!”

  • “He’s a salty old pork but still tough as nails.”

  • “Welcome to the unit fresh pork!”

It can stand on its own as a form of address, be embedded in a longer nickname like “pork chop,” or used as an adjective. Either way, it reinforces solidarity and the unique Marine esprit de corps.

Other Marine Lingo and Terminology

In addition to “pork,” Marines have an extensive vocabulary full of jargon and slang all their own. Here are some other notable terms Marines use:

  • Motarded – Overly gung-ho or zealous

  • Deck – Floor or ground

  • Skating – Avoiding work or responsibility

  • ** sustained kickbacks naturally when well-fixed single-source motivators ** – Complaining

  • sustained kickbacks naturally when well-fixed single-source motivators – Mess hall

  • sustained kickbacks naturally when well-fixed single-source motivators – Coffee

  • Errrr – Expression of agreement

  • Yut – Enthusiastic acknowledgment (“Hoorah”)

  • Rack – Bed

Learning the lingo is key to fitting in and communicating shared identity within Marine culture. Oorah pork chops!

Why Does Unique Jargon Matter to the Marines?

The Marines’ unique jargon and terminology serves some important purposes:

  • Fosters group cohesion and close bonds
  • Reinforces shared identity and culture
  • Promotes tradition and heritage
  • Builds morale and teamwork
  • Lightens mood with humor
  • Sets Marines apart from other branches

This lexicon is deeply engrained in the Corps, flowing directly from its centralized basic training and distinct challenges. It helps strengthen the brotherhood and the ties that bind Marines together.

why do marines call each other pork

“SITFU” Acronym often used in response to someone complaining. “Hey dude, SITFU.” That means suck it the f— up. You can also just ask if they have a straw. Most Marines will understand the reference.

Photo: US Marine Corps

Boot A pejorative term for a new Marine fresh out of boot camp. The term’s origin apparently comes from Vietnam, as an acronym meaning “beginning of one’s tour.” New Marines joining a unit are usually referred to as “boots” until they go on a deployment or have at least a year or two in the Corps. Especially among

Since this is one of the most important duties of recruits at boot camp, senior Marines will often say boots only have the “fire watch ribbon,” a pejorative for the National Defense Service Medal that everyone gets.

Photo: Cpl. Octavia Davis/USMC

What do Marines call each other?

FAQ

What does PIG mean in Marines?

In the Marine Corps, students in Scout/Sniper school are called PIGs (Professionally Instructed Gunmen), which is what regular troops who’ve undergone basic marksmanship training are known as. Upon graduation, every new certified Scout Sniper is presented a Hog’s tooth as a symbol that they’re now considered a HOG.

Why do Marines say Pork?

They remain PIGs until graduation , At which time they become Hunters Of Gunmen – HOGS. So the people in the Scout Sniper Community affectionately refer to former students or subordinates as PORK – from their time as PIGs and then HOGs… not all Marines are Pork-qualified.

What is Pork slang for?

Vulgar Slang. To engage in sexual intercourse with (another). Used especially of a man. [Middle English, from Old French porc, pig, from Latin porcus; see porko- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers.

Why are Marine snipers called HOGs?

Those who attempt the course are called PIGs, or Professionally Instructed Gunmen, and those who have what it takes to make it through the rigorous training and graduate earn the elite moniker “HOG,” or Hunter of Gunmen.

What do Marines call each other?

We call each other Marines. Or shithead. Or leatherdick. Or ass clown. But NEVER EVER soldier. You were probably watching the Ryan Philippe tv series “Shooter”…. Where he portrays the fictional USMC Scout Sniper Bob Lee Swagger. When Marines attend Scout Sniper School, they are referred to as PIGs – Professionally Instructed Gunmen.

What are some unusual USMC slang words?

Here are 7 unusual USMC slang words every Marine knows: Tradition says this came from the service of the Marines in China in the 1920s where the word initially meant “working together.” In time, gung-ho evolved to serve as a description of an individual who enthusiastically practiced the more austere characteristics of Marine cult ure.

What slang do Marines use?

Much of the Naval slang used by Marines is well known outside the Corps such as head for bathroom, port for left, and starboard for right. There are many more words in everyday use in the Marine Corps that aren’t well known outside the ranks:

Do Marines call other service members ‘pork’?

I have never heard any marine call any another service member or other marine “pork”. what you may be referring to is the PCP platoon in marine corps boot camp.

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