gunny

Gunny refers to a coarse, plain-woven fabric made from jute or hemp, also known as gunny cloth. The same material is commonly used to make gunny sacks or gunny bags, which are sturdy, breathable containers used for transporting and storing agricultural products such as coffee, rice, and grains, as well as for sandbags in some contexts. The term is often used interchangeably with burlap or hessian in trade and agricultural settings.

In a military and informal context, Gunny is a common nickname for a Gunnery Sergeant, a pay grade of E-7 in the United States Marine Corps. The nickname is used by Marines and veterans as an informal form of address. Gunnery Sergeants oversee weapons systems, training, and senior enlisted leadership within units. The nickname has appeared in popular culture, including the character Gunnery Sergeant Hartman in the film Full Metal Jacket.

Related terms include gunny cloth and gunny sacks as descriptors of the fabric and its bags, burlap and hessian as broader fabric categories, and the broader use of the nickname in military communities. While most widely associated with the textile product, the word gunny appears in various regional and historical contexts, reflecting its long-standing role in packaging, construction, and military culture.