Semper Fi and Ooh Ra: What do they mean to Marines?

Three Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island Drill Instructors demonstrate how Marines use the phrases, "Semper Fi," and, "Ooh Ra," and explain what they mean.

Video by Delayna Earley / The Island Packet

More from The Island Packet:

More from The Beaufort Gazette:

[dannytran]

All of them have sore throats from all that good yelling at recruits XD

[sakigamifox]

They sound like those anti smoking commercials

[countofflanders]

3 packets a day, keeps the voice away

[michelleharvey]

My father WILLINGLY chose to serve 26yrs in the USMC! He came from a German immigrant family of 9 kids. He got a full ride football scholarship to the University of Maryland. While there, in addition to being a decorated defensive tackle in the Orange Bowl, he graduated with 2 masters degrees. My father was then drafted by the Chicago Bears. He was traded to the Denver Broncos. He suffered career ending injuries and retired . He then CHOSE ( because with two masters degrees and a high profile career in the NFL, my father could’ve CHOSEN to do anything) to enlist in the USMC as an officers candidate. My father, as an officer, led and fought beside, his battalions of enlisted young Marines!!! FOR ALL AMERICANS!!!! He fought in not 1 BUT 2 WARS !! The Korean Conflict and two 13 month tours in the Vietnam War. He rose through the ranks and retired after 26 years, as a LtCol. I was born in Quantico Virginia the biggest military installation in America. It’s also where the FBI headquarters are. I lived in Kaneohe Bay Oahu, Hawaii, and Camp Pendleton California. So my entire childhood I would hear a Oohhh Rah!! Before every movie shown in the theater on base…the National American anthem was played. When that was finished, EVERY PROUD US Marine in the theater would yell...OOHH RAH!! On base, at every football game Marines or their kids would play at, every scrimmage, and at every kind of get together! I, by no means, take offense of your ‘outsiders’ comments…But as a child of a USMC OFFICER...who served our country... growing up in that amazing atmosphere...that phrase OOOHH RAH! no matter if yelled with a raspy voice or not...that sound is coming from a tribe of people that none of you have been a part of!!! When a Marine screams that...no matter if they have a raspy voice or not, it means pride ... The Latin translation is always faithful! No more is needed to said!
When a team of baseball player says something nobody makes a comment on if one of the players has a raspy voice shame on you

[markgreen]

Pretty sure one of them was like 12 lol

[headedtasman]

He didnt even have the origin right. It came from when a future Marine drill instructor was stationed on a submarine, and he heard the “AHUGA” diving klaxon, which he then took with him and taught it to recruits. It then got shortened to Oorah.

[acun]

why do marines always have that croaky voice? is it form all the yelling?

[anamalsnipejdy]

My son is halfway through the crucible now! Ooh Ra! One proud mom!

[kroniiksloth]

Why they sound like the people off those smoking commercial that say don’t smoke kids

[chlaospooks]

Why do those girls sound like bad smokers.

[jbossnack]

I sounded like this a couple months ago...everyone at work thought I had corona.

[highplainsaccountability]

I got sick age 16. Couldn't join the Marine Corps. My Uncle Manuel was wounded in Guatemala. Wanted me to join

[wheelzwheela]

I thought those ladies were 10 year old kids. Not very intimidating to the enemy.

[rsident]

The way they say the words ohh rah and siemper if is weird

[moonflower]

The toughest military unit in the world

[Ilovepizza-wfxx]

Is it me or all SGT’s have a smoking voice?

[warrenjones]

Outstanding, motivate me, show your battle face.

[mdittus]

Why does the USMC, the United States Marine Corp, have a motto that is Latin?

[cowboyanimal]

It's pronounced "Semper Fee" as in my fee fees.

[liamleslie]

I new semper Fi sents I was 1 now I am 8 years old