Latin for “Always Faithful,” Semper Fidelis is the motto of every Marine—an eternal and collective commitment to the success of our battles, the progress of our Nation, and the steadfast loyalty to the fellow Marines we fight alongside.
The Marine Corps Motto That Marines have lived up to their motto, "Semper Fidelis" (Always Faithful), is proven by the fact that there has never been a mutiny among U.S. Marines. This motto was adopted about 1883.
Oorah is a battle cry common in the United States Marine Corps since the mid-20th century. It is comparable to hooah in the US Army and hooyah in the US Navy and US Coast Guard. It is most commonly used to respond to a verbal greeting or as an expression of enthusiasm. (Source: Wikipedia.)
While Soldiers say “Hooah,” U.S. Marines shout, “Oorah” as a battle cry and Navy seamen say, “Hooyah!” All appear similar in print, but no one would confuse Hooah with, for example, Oorah when heard. In any case, the origin of the term is open to debate and the meaning is as varied as the manner in which it is spoken.
The recon Marines, who heard this sound often, started using it as a motivational tool during runs and physical training. Over time, the word "Aarugha" came to be too much of a mouthful, and eventually molded itself into the familiar "Oorah," according to Maj. Gary Marte, a retired Marine.
Can Non-Marines Say Oorah? The beauty of America is that we live in a country founded upon freedoms including the freedom of speech. Using the Marines' “Oorah” call is usually acceptable for both those serving in the Marine Corps as well as those outside of the branch.
Sailors and Marines say Aye Aye to superiors, especially to Naval Officers and Marine Officers (most especially to the Ship's Captain), as a positive acknowledgment of a lawful order. They don't respond to orders with Yes Sir/Ma'am because that implies an option to say No.
Hooyah is the battle cry used in the United States Navy and the United States Coast Guard to build morale and signify verbal acknowledgment. It originated with special operations communities, especially the Navy SEALs, and was subsequently adopted by other Navy divisions.
While it is not prohibited for a civilian to say "Oorah" to a Marine, it is generally considered a term of respect and motivation used specifically within the United States Marine Corps.
We are the masters of our enemy. We are the saviors of my life. So be it, until victory is America's and there is no enemy, but peace! Click for more "Must Know" Marine Corps Facts.
Out in the Marine Corps (and its sister service, the Navy) , the distinction is simple: “Yes, sir” is a response to a Yes/No question, whereas “Aye aye, sir” is a response to an order and means “I understand and will comply.”
"I (STATE YOUR NAME) DO SOLEMNLY SWEAR (OR AFFIRM) THAT I WILL SUPPORT AND DEFEND THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES AGAINST ALL ENEMIES, FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC; THAT I WILL BEAR TRUE FAITH AND ALLEGIANCE TO THE SAME; AND THAT I WILL OBEY THE ORDERS OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES AND THE ORDERS OF THE OFFICERS ...
While a salute is considered to be a gesture of respect, there's etiquette involved when it comes to rendering a hand salute, whether you are a veteran, active service member, or civilian. As a civilian, saluting soldiers is not a recommended way to honor a current or former member of the military.
Semper Fidelis is used as a greeting, a motivation, and an expression that unites past and present Marines. During war or peacetime, Semper Fidelis speaks volumes.
Getting, "smoked", refers to corrective punishment that is basically exercise to the point of exhaustion. Fire watch This is what Marines call guard duty.
Rack: A bed. Marines are weapons, so they are stored in “racks” instead of sleeping in “beds.” Scuttlebutt: A water fountain (to be honest this is not used very often).
A “Jody” gets to enjoy all the things the Marines are missing, more specifically the Marine's girlfriend back at home. All in all, Jody is harmless in military fiction as a means to encourage and motivate troops. Often, it's utilized during basic training to embarrass a new recruit.
The Marines have long used a uniform with a high-collar, originally made of leather, which once led to the nickname “leathernecks”. That high collar was thought to have given a Marine the appearance of his head sticking out of a jar, thus leading to the “jarhead” moniker (which was adopted around World War II).
Finally, it is just fine to say “Semper Fi” to any Marine. Semper Fidelis is Latin for “Always Faithful,” and the motto of every Marine.
Originally Answered: Is it inappropriate for a civilian to say "semper fi" to a Marine? Not at all. If civilians were saying it to each other I think it would be weird, but as a former Marine I would be happy to acknowledge it from a civilian. It means they have some idea of the USMC culture.
“Semper Fidelis” (“Always Faithful”) is the motto of the Corps. That Marines have lived up to this motto is proved by the fact that there has never been a mutiny, or even the thought of one, among U.S. Marines.