Why ‘Crayon-Eater’ is actually just a bad joke

The rivalry between branches can best be described as a sibling rivalry. We're always making fun of each other whenever we can, calling the Air Force the Chair Force, the Coast Guard a bunch of puddle pirates — the list goes on. One thing that branches can't seem to figure out, though, is a good, slightly insulting nickname for Marines.

It seems like the other branches tried to find some kind of insult for Marines but, instead, we've turned those monikers into sources of pride. We like being called names like Jarhead. It's kind of cool, really. You're saying our hair regulations are so disciplined it's stupid? Maybe it's your attitude toward discipline that has us always on the delivery side of insults. Think about it.

But one thing that's sorta caught on and is becoming popular is calling Marines, "Crayon-Eaters."

Well, here's why that nickname just won't hold water:

Snipers know why there's some truth there...

(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Krista James)

1. First off, it's just kind of... weak

Maybe we're just too dumb to understand the insult here but, quite frankly, it sucks. It's lame.

If you were to call your friend a "Crayon-Eater" in any other situation, they'd just shrug and say, "okay," with a condescending tone. It's no better than a Kindergarten insult. You might as well say, "you poop your pants!" At least then there's some truth for some Marines.

"You think crayon-eater is funny?!"

(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Aaron Bolser)

2. It's ironic

The whole point of the joke is to say that Marines are stupid. Got it. But you know what's stupid? The joke itself. It's ironic how dumb the joke is. Instead of making Marines look dumb, you actually just display the inability to create a layered, intelligent insult. "Crayon-eater" is so bland and overplayed that it loses any impact it might have.

We're not afraid to take shots at each other because it's all part of the brotherhood.

(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Anthony Guas)

3. Marines have better insults for each other

The things Marines say to one another on a daily basis are way worse — it's stuff so bad that we can't even mention it on this website. They're things that would make your average civilian's stomach turn and cause airmen everywhere to puke all over their computer desks.

The worst part is that the joke isn't even close to being offensive. Of course, some of you may read this and say, "this guy is just offended," and the answer is no — and that's the problem. You think something as lame as "crayon-eater" is going to offend a member of a tribe whose trainees are taught to yell, "kill!" during training?

Didn't think so.

They're laughing at you, not with you.

(U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Sgt. Emmanuel Ramos)

If you want to keep using the joke, go right ahead. Just remember, when a Marine laughs in your face because your joke isn't doing what you thought it would — we tried to warn you.