Geronimo

The exclamation "Geronimo" is traditionally shouted by parachutists or individuals jumping from a significant height, serving as a cry of courage, defiance, or excitement just before the leap. The custom originated in 1940 with the United States Army's test platoon of the 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment at Fort Benning. According to military history, Private Aubrey Eberhardt shouted the name to prove to his peers that he was not afraid during a jump, likely inspired by the 1939 film Geronimo, which the unit had watched the previous evening.

Perspectives on the usage of the term are divided between tradition and cultural sensitivity regarding the Bedonkohe Apache leader, Goyaałé (Geronimo). For many, the shout is viewed as a generic expression of adrenaline or a tribute to boldness, often used without conscious thought regarding the historical figure. However, Indigenous advocates and critics argue that utilizing the name of a Native American leader—who fought against U.S. expansion—as a casual catchphrase or military slogan constitutes cultural appropriation and trivializes his legacy. This tension was significantly heightened in 2011 when the U.S. military used "Geronimo" as the code name for the operation to kill Osama bin Laden, drawing formal protests from Native American organizations who felt it equated a resistance leader with a terrorist.

Example:
"The children lined up on the diving board, screaming 'Geronimo!' as they splashed into the pool."

Example:
"Just before the paratrooper left the aircraft, he upheld the unit's tradition and yelled 'Geronimo!' into the wind."