General
oorah
What does oorah mean?
All-purpose Marine spirited shout. Means yes, understood, copy that, let's go, I agree, I'm fired up — pick one. Marines bark it at each other in passing the way civilians say hi. Strictly USMC: don't catch a soldier or sailor using it unless they want a look.
"Gunny said chow's up. Oorah."
Origin
Traced to USMC Recon units in the post-Korea era — said to derive from the dive-klaxon 'AHOOGA' sound on submarines that carried Recon Marines on training ops in the 1950s.
Frequently asked questions
Is oorah the same as hooah?
No. Oorah is Marines. Hooah is Army. Hooyah is Navy SEALs and divers. Mixing them up in the wrong crowd is a great way to get corrected.
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