The Devil Dog Dictionary
An Unofficial Guide to Words and Expressions of the United States Marine Corps
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Reviewed in the July 2026 issue of U.S. Naval Institute Proceedings and added to the Commandant's Library (Entry #1144), The Devil Dog Dictionary unlocks the colorful, raw and salty language of the Corps - from classic slang like "pogey bait" and "scuttlebutt" to combat-tested acronyms and phrases only a Marine could love (or survive).
Whether you're a Devil Dog looking to relive your days in the fleet, a family member trying to decode Marine-speak or a history buff fascinated by military culture, this compact guide is your pass to the barracks, the field and beyond.
Inside you'll find:- Hundreds of authentic Marine Corps terms and expressions, from salty to sacred
- Historical notes and insider context that show how these words were forged
- A tribute to the unmatched esprit de corps of the United States Marine Corps
John Burke
John Burke is the New York Times bestselling author of Imagine Heaven, No Perfect People Allowed, Soul Revolution, and Unshockable Love. As an international speaker and as a pastor, John has addressed hundreds of thousands of people in 20 countries on topics of leadership and spiritual growth. He lives in Austin, Texas. Learn more at WhatsAfterLife.com.
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