devil dog
A slang term for a US Marine, used with pride within the Marine Corps.
Definitions
A slang term for a US Marine, used with pride within the Marine Corps. The nickname supposedly derives from World War I, when German soldiers reportedly called the attacking Marines 'Teufelshunde' (devil dogs) at the Battle of Belleau Wood. Whether historically accurate or not, it has become a standard term of identity and pride in Marine culture.
Every devil dog in the platoon had heard the story of Belleau Wood.
Comments
(slang) A US marine.
“thinking maybe we shouldn't have ex-Marines in policy roles at all? Those guys tend ultra-violent! Ooo-RAH!!! getting a tattoo on your first leave out of Marine Combat Training is or was at least a recognized thing. One guy from my company got a giant Devil Dog on his bicep.”
“thinking maybe we shouldn't have ex-Marines in policy roles at all? Those guys tend ultra-violent! Ooo-RAH!!! getting a tattoo on your first leave out of Marine Combat Training is or was at least a recognized thing. One guy from my company got a giant Devil Dog on his bicep.”
— Bluesky· May 2026
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