Tell me more ×
English Language & Usage Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for linguists, etymologists, and serious English language enthusiasts. It's 100% free, no registration required.

Can anyone explain the origin of the practice of yelling "Geronimo" when parachuting from a plane?

share|improve this question
Have you tried to look this up yourself? – simchona Jun 25 '12 at 18:10
The always-reliable ;) Wikipedia has this. – MT_Head Jun 25 '12 at 18:12
See the FAQ under "Why are some questions closed?" - general reference. – MT_Head Jun 25 '12 at 18:18
The question made me curious to know the answer, but sadly it's off-topic, and general reference to boot. – Lynn Jun 25 '12 at 18:22
Feel free to close the question; I'd close it myself but apparently I don't have sufficient rep. – Onorio Catenacci Jun 25 '12 at 18:34

closed as general reference by simchona, Lynn, cornbread ninja 麵包忍者, Mitch, Daniel δ Jun 25 '12 at 20:34

This question is too basic; it can be definitively and permanently answered by a single link to a standard internet reference source designed specifically to find that type of information. See the FAQ for guidance on how to improve it.

1 Answer

up vote 3 down vote accepted

This wikipedia article says:

Thanks to a 1939 movie about Geronimo, US paratroopers traditionally shout "Geronimo" to show they have no fear of jumping out of an airplane.

share|improve this answer

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.