Short for "
Semper Fidelis" (
Always Faithful),
Semper Fi is the phrase used in
every day conversation between
Marines rather than the longer, more
cumbersome phrase which likely confuses many
grunts. It's also a lot easier to use in
cadence calls and other
chants, such as this beauty from
Full Metal Jacket:
"Do we love our beloved
Corps ladies?"
"
Semper Fi, do or die, gung ho, gung ho, gung ho!"
"
What makes the grass grow?"
"
BLOOD BLOOD BLOOD!"
"What do we do for a living ladies?"
"
KILL KILL KILL!"