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THE DEVIL DOG DICTIONARY
Added to The Commandants Library Entry #1144
and Reviewed in the July 2026 issue of USNI Proceedings.
Get inside the head of a United States Marine
Get inside the head of a United States Marine
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
Perfect for:
Marines, old and new, who want to keep the traditions alive
Marine families trying to figure out what their Devil Dog is talking about
Veterans’ reunions, birthdays or boot camp graduations
Anyone who wants to own a small but powerful piece of Marine Corps heritage
Available in Hardcover, Paperback & eBook
Carry it in your go-bag, keep it on your coffee table or gift it to your favorite Jarhead.
About the Author
About the Author
John Burke is a United States Marine Corps veteran, author and communications professional dedicated to preserving the language, traditions and heritage of the Corps.
Burke served in the United States Marine Corps from 1983 to 1989. An Intelligence Specialist (0231), he served with the 1st Marine Regiment and 1st Battalion, 9th Marines at Camp Pendleton, California, before serving as a Marine Security Guard (8151) at the U.S. Embassies in Guatemala City, Guatemala; Prague, Czechoslovakia; and Helsinki, Finland. He later served with VMFA-235 (The Death Angels) at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.
After leaving active duty, Burke earned a Bachelor of Arts in English, summa cum laude, from the University of Southern Maine and built a career in journalism, publishing and corporate communications.
His book, The Devil Dog Dictionary: An Unofficial Guide to Words and Expressions of the United States Marine Corps, was added to the Commandant's Library as Entry #1144 and reviewed in the July 2026 issue of U.S. Naval Institute Proceedings. Together, these distinctions recognize the book's contribution to preserving the unique language and traditions that have shaped generations of Marines.
Today, Burke continues to write about Marine Corps history, culture and heritage, ensuring that the words, expressions and stories of Marines endure for future generations. He lives in Jupiter, Florida.
Semper Fidelis.
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