Ok. Why are US Marines called crayon eaters?

[Chainfire]

11. As a sailor, I never used such a mild insult when referring to the Moron Corps. ;)

It is all humor, for I have respect for all who choose to serve; Marines included. Vets, from the various services usually take the insults in good humor among themselves, and usually have a response in kind. I have been called squid, swabbie, and other names that I no longer recall, but as long as I was sober, they didn't bother me. That said, as a 20 year old, three sheets to the wind swabbie, in an EM club, I have seen some combat joined over such remarks .