General
gyrene
What does gyrene mean?
Older slang for a US Marine, in circulation since at least the early 20th century. Most accepted etymology blends 'GI' and 'Marine' into one word. Used affectionately by Marines and by old salts in the Navy; younger Marines today are more likely to use 'Devil Dog' or 'jarhead', but you'll still hear gyrene from senior NCOs and Vietnam-era vets.
"Old gyrene at the VFW had stories from Hue City you wouldn't believe."
Origin
Early 1900s US military slang, possibly a portmanteau of 'GI' and 'Marine'. Alternative theories link it to the Greek 'gyrinos' (tadpole).
Frequently asked questions
What does gyrene mean?
Gyrene is slang for a US Marine.
How do you use gyrene in a sentence?
You might say, "My grandfather was a gyrene in the Pacific."
Where does gyrene come from?
It's a portmanteau blending "GI" and "Marine."
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