Define the term "Leatherneck"?

Question

10points as best answer to first one correct.

The nickname of "Leatherneck" refering to Marines came about by what and why?

I know all Marines know this one, but lets see who else does.

Please do not just "google" or refer to "wikipedia"
I would like to see it worded by someone who knows the true answer.

Answer 1

the collars we wore to prevent dcaptiation in the days when swords were still used. they were made of leather, a symbol still survives today on our dress blue uniform, it has a high collar that protects our neck. thus we EARNED the term leathernecks

Answer 2

During the 1700's Marines had to fight pirates on the ocean. And, in order to protect their Jugular vein from the pirate's sharp swords, they wore a thick piece of leather around their neck, under their uniform. Hence the name "Leatherneck."

Answer 3

Leatherneck is just that...a piece of leather was put into the collar of the uniform to help with blows from a sword.

Answer 4

A simple answer for me, Leatherneck means a member of the United States Marine Corp. The reason the guys got the name thanks to the their old uniforms. In the old days they wore a leather cord around their neck to give them protection. The high collor is a reminder of it. The same for the mark on the top of their hat. The marines used a cord of rope and placed on the top of their hats to tell their buddies in the ramparts who is a marine and who is alright to shoot at.

Answer 5

This Sailor does know the answer about the leather collars in the early Marine uniforms. Similar collars were worn by the Royal Marines, hence their nickname of "bootneck".

We just call them "Jarhead", as they call us "Squids".