nautical language history

8/12/2019 Nautical Language History

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NAUTICAL LANGUAGE HISTORY

See the Sea.org

The historical significance of the sea is easy to see when one looks at our language.

Many words and expressions originate from our relationship with the sea. Western

civilization has its roots in the areas surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. From the

earliest Phoenician and Greek cultures, over two thousand years ago, the

Mediterranean Sea was not only essential for survival, providing food, but also in

maintaining economic and social ties between the people living around the sea. The

language used from these early times became permeated with nautical terms. The

nautical terms became the one universal language understood by different cultures.

Throughout the ages, new words and phrases have entered into our language from this

continuing tie to the oceans. The English language gained many additions during the

eighteenth and nineteenth centuries when British naval and merchant ships traveled

the seas.

Some familiar words and phrases come unexpectedly from their use on the sea; from

commonly used words like overwhelm (from the Middle English word meaning "to

capsize") and casual (from the term "a casual" used to describe the wages paid to

seamen between regular payments) to expressions like a "square meal" (from the

square tray upon which the main meal of the day was served on early British

warships) and "Please stand by" (an expression derived from the command for sailorsto be ready).

Below we have assembled a list of some of the more common words and phrases that

relate to our connection to the sea:

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U

V W X Y Z

A

A1: Originates from the top ranking given to a wooden ship in the Lloyd'sRegister, an organization founded in 1760 to examine merchant ships and

classify them according to their condition.

Above board: Pirates would often hide much of the crew below the deck. Theships that displayed the crew openly on the deck were thought to be honest

merchant ships known as "above board".
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Abreast: Meaning along side the beam of a ship. Now a common expression,"keeping abreast of a situation" means staying in touch with or keeping up

with.

Admiral: An admiral is a senior ranking officer and the word signifies acommander of a fleet, or part of a fleet, in all maritime nations. The root of the

word is from the Arabic word amirmeaning commander. Adornings: Comes from the Latin term adornaremeaning to embellish.

Commonly used to refer to the ornate woodwork on the stern of old sailing

ships. To adorn is to make something more attractive.

Adrift: Naval word for anyone or anything that cannot be found or has comeundone. Ships are adrift when they are moved about at the will of the wind and

tide. Adrift originates from the Middle English 'drifte'meaning to float.

AfternoonWatch: The sea watch from noon until 4 p.m.-- one of the sevenwatches used by the Royal British Navy.

Albatross around one's neck: An Albatross is a large and long-wingedseabird of the Southern Hemisphere capable of long flights. It was believed

among seamen that albatrosses embodied the souls of dead sailors and it was

considered unlucky to kill one.

All at sea: Nautical expression to describe the condition of a vessel lost out ofsite of land. Now the expression or its shortened form "at sea" is used to

describe someone who is confused, bewildered and unable to understand.

All hands on deck: A term used to tell all seamen to get to their stations orpositions and prepare for action.

All sewn up: Dead sailors were "all sewn up" in a bit of canvas with a weightattached to make sure that the corpse sank deep in the water. Today thisexpression is used to describe something that is "all done" or completed.

Aloft: This comes from the Anglo-Saxon word 'alofts'meaning "on high." Nowthe word is commonly used in the nautical world to describe things overhead

on a boat, on the mast or in the rigging.

Aloof: A nautical order to keep the ship's head to the wind, thus to stay clear ofa lee shore or some other quarter. The front part of the sail which meets the

wind is called the luff. A sailing vessel that could point higher to windward and

hold its speed better than another was said to stand apart or to sail a-luff that

later became aloof. Today the word is used to describe a person who is distant

or stands apart from the others. Any port in a storm: When trouble struck at sea, seamen would go to the

nearest to "any port in a storm." Now this phrase has entered our everyday

language and is used when we have problems and any and all help is welcome.

Armed to the teeth: This expression does not originate with pirates holdingswords in their teeth, rather it is just one of many uses of the metaphorical

phrase "to the teeth," meaning "very fully or completely".


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As the crow flies:. The most direct route from one place to another withoutdetours. Before modern navigational systems existed, British vessels

customarily carried a cage of crows. These birds fly straight to the nearest land

when released at sea thus indicating the direction of the nearest land was.

At a loose ends: A nautical term for a rope when unattached and thereforeneglected or not doing its job. Thus 'tying up loose ends' indicates having donea complete job or having dealt with all the details.

At a rate of knots: To go at top speed. This is used to describe someone whois traveling or driving very fast.

Athwart: Lying along the ship's width, at right angles to the vessels fore-and-aft line (centerline). Same as abeam.

B

Bale out: To bale out means to remove water from a vessel. Now the term isused in the sense of getting out of a bad situation such as selling the shares of a

failing company.

Bamboozle: From the 17th century, it described the Spanish custom of hoistingfalse flags to deceive (bamboozle) enemies. Today if one intentionally deceives

someone, they are said to have bamboozled them.

Bare Poles: Describes a sailing vessel with no sail set. A ship in a storm thathas taken down all of her sails is with or under bare poles.

Barge in: The word barge refers to the more common, flat-bottomed workboatwhich is hard to maneuver and difficult to control. They would bump and bang

into other boats thus the term . . . "barge in."

Batten down the hatches: Now used as a term meaning "get ready". The termoriginates from the act of securing the hatches and tarpaulins covering them on

a boat with use of battens (long flat blades made of wood) in preparation for a

coming storm.

Bear down: To approach something from upwind, to bear down is to sail fast,often towards the enemy in a threatening manner. Today to bear down is still

used to describe "making a rush at", as well as exert strength or pressure upon

something or to pay special attention in some situation.

Bedlam: The word originated from the name of a London mental hospital, St.Mary of Bethlehem Hospital, where the Royal Navy would discharge men for

treatment of mental illness. Now the word is used to describe a state of

extreme confusion and disorder.

Bell-Bottom Trousers: Originating aboard sailing vessels, the wide, flared,legs on bell-bottomed trousers are easy to roll up when working, cleaning or

wading on a boat.


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Bigwigs: Senior officers in the English Navy were known as "bigwigs" becausethey wore huge wigs. Bigwig officers aboard ships were often disliked. Today

it is still used to refer to the most important person in a group or undertaking

and is often used in a derogatory manner.

Bilge Water: Now slang for nonsense, the term bilge water is the water thatcollects and stagnates in the bilge of a ship.

Binge: Nautical term for rinsing or cleaning out something such as a cask ofrum. Thus a sailor who had cleaned out such a rum cask was known to have a

binge. Now the term is used to describe any act of immoderate indulgence of

for example alcohol.

Bite the bullet: To bravely face up to something unpleasant, one is said to"bite the bullet". This originated from the practice of giving sailors and soldiers

a bullet to bite during amputations or other surgery before the use of

anesthetics.

Bitter End: The last part of a rope or final link of chain. The end attached tothe vessel, as opposed to the "working end" which may be attached to an

anchor, cleat, other vessel, etc. Today the term is used to describe a final,

painful, or disastrous conclusion (however unpleasant it may be).

Black Book: Beginning in the 1300's, a collection of maritime laws andconduct became known as the Black Book of the Admiralty. The punishments

for offenses were often harsh. Today, if you're name is in someone's black

book, they believe you have offended them in some way.

Blood is thicker than water: A well known saying meaning that familyrelationships are more important than all other relationships. It was originally

attributed to an U.S. Navy commodore Josiah Tattnail who used the expressionwhen justifying his intervention in the British attack on the Peiho forts in June

1859 during the second China war.

Blood Money: Originally known as bounty money, it was the financial rewardfor sinking an enemy ship. Today blood money refers to money paid by a killer

as compensation to the next of kin of a murder victim or money gained at the

cost of another's life or livelihood.

Bolster: A piece of wood fitted in various places to prevent chafing. Today theterm means to support and strengthen.

Brightwork: On a vessel, brightwork is the varnished woodwork and/orpolished metal.

C

Calm before the storm: Although not exclusively nautical, this has beenattributed to seagoing folk as a result of their constant and intimate interaction

with the weather. Although not known at the time, an approaching storm will

drop the barometric pressure, creating a low directly ahead of the storm front. If


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a storm comes from a direction that is opposite to the prevailing winds, the

prevailing breezes will eventually be overcome by the storm front. Just before

this happens, however, there will be an equalization of wind speed from two

opposing directions resulting in an absence of any wind. The meaning is not

lost on landlubbers: Before someone explodes in anger, they almost invariably

become overly quiet and, in some instances, even tranquil. Canteen Medals: Naval name for stains down the front of jumper, jacket or

coat caused by food or drink.

Careen: From the Latin carina (keel) or French carener. When hulls on oldwooden ships needed to be cleaned, patched, caulked, etc., careening was the

deliberate heeling to one side in order to accomplish these tasks. Usually this

was done on a careenage -- a steep, sandy shoreline when the tide had gone out.

Carry away: Break off; to break a spar, bowsprit or part a rope. A spar is saidto "carry away" when it is broken or disabled. When any part of a vessel's gear

or equipment breaks or gives way, is lost or washed away, it is said to be

"carried away."

Carry on: In the days of sail, the officer of the deck kept a weather eyeconstantly on the slightest change in the wind so that the sails could be reefed

or added as necessary to ensure the fastest headway. Whenever a good breeze

came along, the order to "carry on" would be given. It meant to hoist every bit

of canvas the yards could carry. Through the centuries, the term's connotation

has changed somewhat. Today the expression means to continue onward or go

on with a given task.

Castaway: A shipwrecked or marooned sailor or, in some cases, a sailor putashore as punishment. To cast away was to commit a deliberate act to cause aship to sink, to be lost or to make it necessary to abandon her.

Cat-o'-nine-tails: Until 1881, an authorized instrument of punishment in theBritish Navy, composed of nine pieces of chord about half a yard long fixed

upon a piece of thick rope for a handle. Each length of chord had three knots at

close intervals near the striking end. Sailors were flogged with the cay on the

bare back for transgressing "The Articles of War" (the rules of the service). A

"thieves cat" had larger and harder knots than usual and was used only for

punishing thieves.

Chandlery: A maker and seller of candles was known as a chandler and theplace where candles were made and sold was a chandlery. Boats at that timeconsumed large amounts of candles on a voyage. To replace those consumed,

the captain would have to visit the local chandlery while in port. Chandlers

would often stock other nautical goods, such as rope, leather and tar. Today the

term refers to a boat supply store.

Channel: From the Latin canalreferring to the movement of water. It is thearea within a body of water of adequate depth to be used for navigation.


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Chew (chewing) the fat: Sailors used to talk and complain about the poor foodwhile eating their salt pork. Chew the fat meant to talk socially without

exchanging very much information. Alternately, in the days when brine was

added to barrels of meat, it had a hardening effect on the fat. It was still edible

but it took considerable chewing. So, to "chew the fat" has come to mean to

talk endlessly. Chock-a-block (Chock full): When the sails were pulled in tight so that the

boat could sail as close to the wind as possible, the blocks (pulleys) would be

pulled "hard-up" or in as tight or close together as possible. This would be

called "chock-a-block," or chock full." Used in the modern-day sense of any

articles (or people) that are packed in tightly together.

Clean Bill of Health: A widely used term which originates from the "Bill ofHealth", a document issued to a ship showing that the port it sailed from

suffered from no epidemic or infection at the time of departure.

Clean Slate: It was the custom in sailing ships to record courses, distances andtacks on a log slate. The new watch would always start with a clean slate if

things had been growing fine, disregarding what had gone before and starting

anew. In a similar way, today we refer to a new beginning as starting with a

"clean slate."

Clear the deck/Clear for action: In preparation for heavy weather, "Clear thedeck," (or a naval engagement, "clear for action") meant removing anything

from the deck that was not essential. Today, this phrase is usually used when

preparing to start a project in order to be fully ready for the intake of all new

information and needed materials.

Close Quarters: A small wooden fortress or barricade constructed on the deckof a ship. The term 'close quarters' has come to mean in close contact or a small

area. Closed quartersreferred to the quarters aboard ship, especially those for

officers and passengers, which had wooden partitions or bulkheads dividing

them.

Cock Up: In port, the yard arms where slewed inboard by the cock up crew andneatly braced so that they would not foul other ship's rigging or dock

equipment Today, a "cock up" is a mistake or making a mess of something.

Combing the cat: When flogging a seaman, "combing the cat" meant to runfingers through the cat-o'-nine-tails after each stroke to separate the strands in

preparation for the next stroke. Come hell or high water:To do whatever it takes to accomplish a goal or

arrive at a destination.

Come through the hawse-pipe: The hawse-pipe is a pipe in the ship's bow forthe anchor cable to run through. Anybody who has risen to Captain from lowly

deckhand is said to have "come up through the hawse-pipe." Today the

expression is also used outside of the naval language.


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Couple of shakes: Shakes refers to the shaking (luffing) of the head sails if thevessel points up too close to the wind. Sailors would measure short periods of

time before watch changes with a "couple of shakes." Today the expression is

used to mean in a short time period.

Cranky: From the Dutch krengd, a crank was an unstable sailing vessel. It hascome to mean irritable.

Crew Cut: A short haircut given to the whole ship crew. Cut and Run: Hurry off abruptly; to escape by a sudden maneuver. This

phrase comes from the act of cutting the anchor line in an effort to make a

quick getaway. Alternately, the saying comes from the cutting of the ropeyarns

used to fasten the sails so the sails could fall quickly when the need to get under

way was urgent.

Cup of Joe: From American Navy lore. Josephus Daniels (1862- 1948) wasappointed Secretary of the Navy by President Woodrow Wilson in 1913.

During his time as Secretary of the Navy, "Joe" Daniels abolished the officers'

wine, after which the strongest drink aboard Navy ships was coffee. A cup of

coffee became known as "a cup of Joe".

D

Davy Jones' Locker: Seamen's slang for the bottom of the sea. This expressionis believed to be from the story that Davy Jones was the owner of a sixteenth-

century London pub where unwary sailors were drugged and put in lockers and

then awoke aboard ship to find they had been 'recruited' into the Navy.

Dead Horse (Flogging a dead horse): The term "flogging a dead horse"alludes to the difficulty of getting any extra work from a crew during acelebration held by British crews when they had been at sea four weeks and had

worked off their initial advance (often one month's pay). At the expiration of

the first month of the voyage, it was at one time customary to hoist in the

rigging a canvas effigy of a horse. Today, "dead horse" refers to a debt to the

government and/or advance of salary.

Dead in the Water: A sailing ship that is dead in the water is stationary withno wind in its sails to make it come alive. In everyday usage, the term means

"not going anywhere".

Dead Reckoning: For many years, the practice of keeping a log based onestimated speed was called 'deduced' reckoning. Over time, this turned intodead reckoning. Dead reckoning is the process by which the position of the ship

at any moment is found (without any observation of the sun or stars) based

upon the last well-determined position and the run that has been made since

that last position. For this purpose, the ship's course indicated by its compass,

the distance indicated by the log, and drift and leeway were all taken into

account.


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Dead on end: Said of the wind when exactly ahead and of another vessel whenher fore and aft line coincides with observer's line of sight.

Dead Soldier: An expression used for an empty bottle of wine, spirit or beer.Originally the expression was "dead Marine." In the late 1700 Duke of

Clarence ordered the steward to remove the "dead marines" to make room for

new bottles. Deep Six: A fathom, the unit of measurement for the depth of the sea, is 6

feet. Sailors used the term to refer to throwing something overboard and it has

come to mean getting rid of something ("deep sixing").

Deliver a broadside: A broadside was the simultaneous firing of the gunsand/or canons on one side of a war ship. Today, it means much the same type

of all-out, often verbal, attack.

Devil to pay, Devil and the deep blue sea: In traditional wooden ships, thesailors had to caulk or pay the seams with hot tar between the planks of the

deck to prevent leakage into the bilge. The devil seam was topmost on the hull

next to the scuppers at the edge of the deck and the longest and most difficult

seam to caulk. Hence, if there was the "devil to pay," then this was the most

difficult and dangerous job since the sailor might be knocked down by a large

wave and find himself between the "devil and the deep blue sea." Today, the

expression "devil to pay" is used to mean that there will be a big price to pay,

and "devil and the deep blue sea" refers to being in a difficult or unpleasant

position like being "between a rock and a hard place."

Dismantle: To unrig a vessel and discharge all of its stores. Doesn't have both oars in the water: This is an expression used to describe

someone that is thought to be slow or crazy, or just not all there. Dog watch and Dogging the watch: This likely comes from the expression

"dodge watch," the shorter of the seven lookout or watch duties on board a

ship. A dog (or dodge) watch is two hours long while all other watches are

four hours in duration.

Don't hand me a line: An expression now used to ask for a speaker to considertelling the truth. This originated from the frequent observation that the person

speaking or telling a story would not be helping to tie up boat lines or ropes

while docking, but rather leaving the job to the other sailors.

Don't rock the boat: Keep things the way they are. Down the Hatch: This is a drinking expression that is believed to have its

origins in sea freight where cargo was lowered into the hatch for transport

below deck. The freight appeared to be consumed by the ship.

Dragging your anchor: When a vessel is caught in a storm and heading forland or rocks, they would drop anchor to try to avoid running aground. If the

anchor did not grip, it would drag along the bottom. Today the expression


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refers to being impeded by something or of behaving or acting in a tired or

slow manner.

Dressed to the nines: To celebrate victories, a returning ship would approachher home waters or port "dressed" in bunting and flags. As many of the crew

as possible would line up on the nine primary yards as a salute to their

monarch. Today the expression is often used to describe a person who isdressed in fancy clothing.

Drifting through life (Drifter). From the Middle English 'drifte'which meansto float. Now used to describe a person without purpose or aim in life.

Dummy run: The naval name for a trial or practice in which all the motionsare gone through but nothing else. The expression is therefore freely used in the

navy to mean a rehearsal.

Dungarees: A coarse kind of unbleached cotton cloth. The term dates back tothe 18th century, from the Hindi word 'dungri', a particular type of sturdy

Indian cotton cloth that was used for making sails.

Dutch treat or going Dutch: This means sharing the expenses. Theexpression, intended to be negative, originated as a result of the hostility

between the British and the Dutch during the 17th and 18th centuries during

which there were trade disputes, shipping embargoes as well as war.

Dunnage: Technically, packing material used to protect or wedge in cargo orstores. It is also used when referring to a person's clothes and/or baggage.

E

Everything on top and nothing handy: This is used to describe any gearcarelessly stowed. The expression is believed to come from the lack oforganization in the crew's storage chest.

Eye-splice: To splice, ('episeer'French.'splitster', Dutch, 'plico'Latin) to jointhe two ends of a rope together, or to unite the end of a rope to any other part

thereof. There are several different methods of performing this operation,

according to the services on which it is to be employed. Thus, there is the short-

splice, the long-splice, the eye-splice, and the cunt-splice-- all of which are

used for different purposes. The "eye-splice" is intended to make a sort of eye

or circle at the end of a rope.

F

Fathom: This was originally a land measuring term derived from the Anglo-Saxon word 'ftm'meaning the embracing arms, or to embrace. In those days,

most measurements were based on average sizes of parts of the body. A


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fathom is the average distance from fingertip to fingertip of the outstretched

arms of a six-foot tall man hence six feet.

Fathom it: (see fathom above) In the days of sailing vessels, soundings weremade by lowering a lead weight on hemp line. As the line was retrieved, it was

measured with outstretched arms. Today the expression "can't fathom it" means

that we don't understand or can't work it out or, more close to the origination,we can't find the depth of the meaning in something.

Feeling Blue: Today 'feeling blue' means being sad or depressed. It comesfrom a custom that was practiced when a ship lost its captain during a voyage.

The ship would fly blue flags and have a blue band painted along her hull when

she returned to port.

Feeling down in the doldrums: "Feeling down in the doldrums" originatesfrom the area near the equator known as "The Doldrums" where light winds

make sailing difficult or impossible.

Feeling under the weather: This refers to feeling ill or sick and came from thefrequency of ship passengers becoming seasick in heavy weather.

Fend off: To fend a boat or ship is to prevent her striking against any quay,jetty, vessel or any object that may endanger her. Hence a fender is an object

used to soften the blow. To "fend off" is to prevent another vessel or object

(quay, jetty, etc.) from striking a boat or ship. We use it more commonly in the

sense of keeping something away or even in fending off an attack (even a

verbal one) of some kind.

Field day: Originally a day for cleaning all parts of the vessel. Today theexpression is used to reference a good time; "Have a field day".

Figurehead: An ornamental figure placed on the front of a ship often under thebowsprit. Originally, the figure was often thought to be a religious and/or

protective emblem. Today the term figurehead describes a leader with no real

power or function, much like the figurehead on the front of a ship.

Filibuster: From the Dutch for 'vrybuiter'(freebooter) translated into Frenchas 'flibustier'. It is now used as a political term meaning to delay or obstruct the

passage of legislation by non-stop speech making. The term originated from

the Buccaneers known in England as filibusters who would stop sailing vessels.

Fits the bill: A Bill of Lading was used to acknowledge receipt of goods andthe promise to deliver them to their destination in good or like condition. Upon

delivery, the goods were checked against the Bill of Lading to see if all was inorder. If so, they "fit the bill".

First-Rate: Today the expression is used to describe something as being best.Originally, this term referred to the largest and most heavily armed ship using

the old system of grading English ships.


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Flag of Convenience: When beneficial ownership and control of a vessel isfound to lie elsewhere than in the country of the flag the vessel is flying, the

vessel is considered as sailing under a flag of convenience.

Flake out: In order to keep the anchor chain of a ship in good condition, thechain would be flaked (laid out in a way to avoid tangle) on the deck in order to

make repairs. Today the expression means to not complete a task or action, tofall asleep or to be overcome especially by exhaustion.

Flannel: A naval slang word for insincerity or "Hot air" . Flimsy: Today the word is used to describe something that is weak or

insufficient. The word originated from the paper certificate issued to an officer

when leaving an appointment to show as to his previous conduct. The paper

was known as the flimsy.

Flogging a dead horse. The term "flogging a dead horse" alludes to thedifficulty of getting any extra work from a crew during a celebration held by

British crews when they had been at sea four weeks and had worked off their

initial advance that was often one month's pay. At the expiration of the first

month of the voyage it was at one time customary to hoist in the rigging a

canvas effigy of a horse. Today "dead horse" refers to a debt to the

government/or advance of salary.

Flogging the glass: Old Naval term for being early for an appointment or doinganything earlier than planned. The expression originated from the half-hour

sandglass used during sea watch to measure time "Flogging the glass" was

when the hourglass was shook in order to shorten the watch.

Floozies: Women who were let aboard during the time a vessel was in port. Ageneral term today for loose women.

Flunkey: A sailors' nickname for an Officers' Steward or a Marine acting as aWard Room Attendant. In a more general, everyday sense, it is applied to

anyone perceived as a subordinate, minion, hanger-on etc.

Fluky: A light wind at sea that does not blow steadily from any one direction,hence a wind that is light and variable.

Fly-by-night: The term comes from replacing several smaller, more intricatesails which require less attention than the large sail which are generally used at

night and for downwind sailing. Today the term is used to refer to a "flaky"

person who avoids their responsibilities and does not do things in a proper

manner. Footloose and Footloose and Fancy-Free: The word comes from the term for

the bottom of the sail that is known as the foot of the sail which must be

attached to the boom. If it is not properly attached it may become footloose

causing the vessel not to sail properly. Footloose and fancy-free have come to

mean someone acting without commitment.


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Forging ahead: A naval term for going ahead slowly. Today the phrase is usedto mean continuing or "press on", but not always slowly.

Foul up: To foul is a nautical term meaning entangled. The expression ""foulup simply means to error or "screw up".

Freeze the balls off a brass monkey: Cannon balls where piled on deckbeside the cannon, pyramid fashion, and retained in a brass monkey or ring. Ifthe weather was very cold the brass ring would contract faster than the iron

cannon balls thus causing some of them to topple. From this, the expression

was, and is today, used to describe something which is very cold.

From stem to stern: An expression for all-inclusive or very thorough. Theexpression comes from the nautical term stem or very front of a ship and stern

or very back of a ship. From stem to stern means the entire ship.

Fudge (as used in expressions like "fudging the books"): This expression isbelieved to come from a Captain Fudge, also known as "Lying Fudge" who was

a notorious liar in the 17th Century.

G

Galley: The galley is the kitchen of the ship. The best explanation as to itsorigin is that it is a corruption of gallery. Ancient sailors cooked their meals on

a brick or stone gallery laid amidships.

Gangway: A nautical word for "Get out of the way," often used as an orderto step aside for a superior naval officer.

Get cracking: The expression "get cracking" means to get moving or hurry up.It is a common slang expression indicating the importance of haste. It possibly

comes from the old sailing expression "cracking on" meaning "to speed moresails".

Get Hitched: This is a common term used to describe the act of marriage. Itcomes from the act of joining or hitching two ropes together to form one.

Give a wide berth: Today this means to keep a safe distance which is thesame as the nautical origination to avoid a collision by giving a large distance

between maneuvering vessels.

Give Leeway: From the practice of allowing extra room off a dangerous lee(downwind) shore in case of error or mishap in order to allow the vessel extra

distance to maneuver in an emergency. Today it is used to describe being more

patient with someone or giving a little extra room to maneuver. Give me some slack:An expression that originated during the docking of a

ship. One would alternately tension the line in your hands and then release.

The call would be to "give me some slack" when it was your turn to "haul".

Today, it still means much the same thing as when used in referenced to the

boating world. The term is also now used synonymous with "give me a break".


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Gob-stoppers: The expression is thought to originate in the nautical practice ofplacing a grapeshot in the mouth (gob) of an over-talkative ship's youngster.

The term refers to a large, round, hard candy, also know as a jawbreaker.

Go off on another tack: To alter one's course of action from that previouslyfollowed. The expression originates from the zig-zag or tacking action when

sailing into the wind. Go overboard: This refers to an over-enthusiastic person being carried away

by his emotions or commitment.

Go to the Head: This is synonymous with going to the toilet. The expressioncomes from the fact that on sailing ships, the toilet was located forward, close

to the figurehead or the "head" of the vessel.

Go with the flow: An expression for sailing in the same direction as the currentflow that makes the passage smoother and faster. Later this term was used to

mean taking things easier or being more relaxed, or getting in step with

surrounding events.

Gripe: A sailing vessel 'gripes' when she can not properly sail close hauled (ata angle close to the direction of the wind) due to being incorrectly designed or

because she has an imbalance of sail which results in bow (front) heading into

the wind when sailing close-hauled. The sails flap around and forward progress

is difficult. The term is now used to mean complain.

Grog (Groggy): This originates from the nickname the British sailors had fortheir Commander, Admiral Vernon, who wore a cloak made of a coarse cloth

called grogram. Admiral Vernon became known as "Old Grog". In 1740, he

ordered his men to dilute their daily ration of rum with water. Today the term is

used to mean an alcoholic drink. Ground swell: A sudden swell or rise of water near the shore that often occurs

in otherwise calm conditions. It is caused by undulating water from a far away

storm. Today the term means a growing change in public opinion.

Gung Ho: This term originated as a Chinese expression used to describe shipcrews when they would join together to make it through a difficult situation.

The term was brought into the English vocabulary when WWII Marine

Lieutenant Colonel Carlson used the term for a motto for his division. Today

the expression is synonymous with excited or ready for action.

H Hail from: To hail, call to, or salute to other passing vessels has long been a

nautical custom. The expression to "hail from" was used to acknowledge a

passing vessel and to simultaneously inform the other vessel of the hailing

vessels home port or area of origin. The expression is now used to inform

people where you come from.


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Halcyon Days: Originally this expression has its roots in Greek mythology.Halcyone was the daughter of Aeolus and wife of Ceyx. When Ceyx drowned,

it is said that Halcyone threw herself into the sea. Out of pity, the gods changed

the pair into kingfishers also known as halcyons. The gods also forbade the

winds from blowing seven days before and after the winter solstice. This is the

breeding season of the halcyon. The expression "halcyon days" has come tomean a time of peace and tranquility.

Hand over fist: The expression "hand over fist" means to go forth rapidly insome endeavor, such as, making money hand over fist. Originally the

expression came from the act of quickly climbing the rigging of the old sailing

ships " hand over hand" or "hand over fist".

Hard and fast: An expression used to describe inflexibility, such as, a hard andfast rule The term is nautical in origination and was used to describe a ship

grounded on the shore; 'hard' meaning firmly and 'fast' meaning fixed.

Hard up: An expression now used to mean short of money. Originally when asailing crew was ordered to tighten the sails, the blocks would be "hard

up" meaning hauled together as close as possible.

Hasn't got a clue: With nautical origins, the clew refers to the corner of the sailwhere a brass ring is sewn into the fabric of the sail in order to properly hold

the sail in place. If a clew should rip, the sail would loose shape and the vessel

will not sail in a controlled manner. Until it is refastened, it "hasn't got a clew,"

or needs to "get clewed up" again. Today if someone "hasn't got a clue" then

they do not understand or are not knowledgeable. To "get clued up" is to learn

about or to come to fully understand something.

Haze or Hazing: Today this word is used to refer to an initiation ritual of anewcomer to a group by humiliating and harassing him or her, thereby

asserting the authority of the group. Originally hazing was the practice of

captains asserting their authority by having a ship's crew work all hours of the

day or night, whether needed or not, in order to make them generally miserable

thereby more humble and easier to manage.

Head: The lavatory aboard a ship is known as the "head." The expressioncomes from the fact that on the sailing ships the toilet was located forward,

close to the figurehead or the "head" of the vessel.

Heave to: To stop or slow a sailing vessel by placing some of the canvas (oftenthe jib) back against the wind and placing the main in a close haul positionwhile fastening the rudder in a fixed position. The expression is also used to

mean stopping. However, this is not used as commonly as it once was.

High and Dry: Today the expression is synonymous with being withoutresources or support. Originally used to describe a ship that is beached or on

the rocks. She is left 'high' by the receding tide and 'dry' by being out of the

water.


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Hit the deck: To fall or drop suddenly, usually to evade some danger. Holy Mackerel: Because mackerel is a fish that spoils quickly, merchants were

allowed to sell it on Sundays contradicting the blue laws in 17th-century

England. The phrase "Holy Mackerel!" is still used today as an expression of

surprise and/or astonishment.

Horse Latitudes:This is the area of relatively calm weather conditions foundfrom latitudes 30 degrees North to 30 degrees South. The expression is said to

come from the story that sailing ships carrying horses to America, when

traversing these latitudes, had to throw horses overboard in order to lighten

their vessels to make headway.

Hot pursuit: A term originating from the naval warfare tactic of allowing afleeing enemy to be followed into neutral waters and captured there if the chase

had begun in international waters. Today it is used to mean closely follow or

chase.

Hulk: A nautical expression for an old sailing vessel that is no longerseaworthy. The larger vessels were sometimes stripped of their rigging and

used for in-port storage. Today expressions like "He was a great 'hulk' of a

guy" means he was a big man.

Hunky-Dory: This term, meaning everything is alright, originated from astreet named "Honki-Dori" in Yokohama, Japan. This street was known by the

sailors as the street that catered to the pleasures of sailors. If life was Honki

Dori, a sailor had money, plenty of grog, and a pretty girl.

I

Idler: This was the name for those members of a ship's crew, such as cooks andsail-makers, that did not stand night watch because of their work.

In Irons: This is a term used to describe the position of a sailing vessel with thebow or front facing directly into the wind so that neither side of the sails fill.

In the Drink: Is a term used to indicate that someone has fallen into the water. In the Doldrums: Doldrums is the name of an area of the ocean on either side

of the equator. This area is known to have unstable and light wind conditions.

A sailing ship caught in the Doldrums can be stranded due to lack of wind.

Today the term is used to describe someone as being in low spirits, stagnated or

depressed.

J

Jibes (Gybes): This is the term to describe the often unwelcomed and possiblyviolent and dangerous swing of the boom and sail from one side of the vessel to

the other. This is brought about when a boat sailing down wind alters course or

when the wind changes direction so that the wind passes from one side of the


16/26

stern to the other. The term is also now used when referring to negative,

unwelcomed remarks about or to another person.

Junk: Refers in a nautical sense to an old rope no longer able to take a load. Jury Rig: This term describes something that is assembled in a makeshift

manner offering nothing more than a temporary solution. It originates from the

nautical term "jury mast," which is a temporary mast made from any availablepole when the mast has become damaged or lost overboard. This term gave rise

to the term 'jury rigging' to describe an attempt to place certain persons as

jurors in a court proceeding in an effort to assure a particular legal decision.

K

Keel hauling: This was a naval punishment during the 15th and 16th centuries.The crew member who was to be punished was dragged under the bottom of

the boat from one side of the boat to the other. The term "keel-hauled" is still

used to mean a severe punishment.

Keel over: This describes the action of a boat that rolls over, often as a result ofa strong wind gust. Today the expression is often used in reference to a person

being emotionally "turned over" or upset as well as a reference to a person

dying.

Keep an even keel: A nautical term for keeping a boat upright, not heelingover to either side. Today the expression is used when describing a persons

emotions. To "keep an even keel" is to remain level headed or emotionally

stable.

Keeping a weather eye open: This expression comes from the importance ofa sailing crew staying alert and looking for potential trouble such asapproaching bad weather. Today it has a similar use, meaning to generally

watch out for trouble.

Knot: The term knot is used worldwide to denote one's speed through waterand means the number of nautical miles per hour. One nautical mile is equal to

1852 meters or 1.15 statute miles. The term comes from the method of using a

rope or line marked with knots at even intervals to measure the boats speed. At

one end of the line there would be a log or some other type of sea anchor that

was thrown over from the stern. The knotted line was allowed to run freely for

a specific amount of time after which it was hauled back onboard where the

number of knots could be counted giving the number of knots of forwardspeed.

Know the ropes: This is a term that originally meant to know the proper useof the many ropes the older sailing vessels had. Today the term means to be

accomplished or be proficient at some particular job or task.

L


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Lay of the land: Nautically to "know the lay of the land" was important fornavigation as well as an indicator of what the seafloor may be like. If the land

is flat and sandy, the seabed is likely to be shallow and sandy.

Leading light: It was customary to mark the entry to a port with a line ofleading lights to show the way. Someone who shows the way or is a leader is

called a "leading light". Learning the ropes: This expression has come to mean generally learning how

to perform some specific task or gain skill within some particular field of

endeavor. The term comes from the important task of learning the use of the

many ropes aboard a sailing vessel.

Letting the Cat out of the bag: This term comes from the old navalpunishment of being whipped with a "cat o' nine tails." The whip was kept in a

leather bag and when the sailors "let the Cat out of the bag" they had usually

done something that would result in punishment. The term is used today to

mean that someone has said something that was not to be said or revealed a

secret.

Like rats deserting a sinking ship: This is a derogatory term for a person wholeaves a given situation at the first sign of trouble, just as rats were said to leave

a sinking ship.

Like ships passing in the nights: This expression indicates a meeting orpassing which had a low probability of occurring just as it was unlikely that

ships met at night on the sea when boat traffic was little and before navigational

aids such as radar were used.

Limey: A term that was used to refer to a British sailor, now this is also usedgenerally to indicate a British person. The term came from the seventeenth andeighteenth century practice of issuing limes to British sailors to combat scurvy

(a vitamin C deficiency).

Listing to port: Today this phrase is used to describe someone who appears tobe unsteady on their feet, perhaps from the effects of fatigue or alcohol. The

term is from the nautical term "listing to port" which means the vessel is

leaning towards the left or portside.

Log book: Today a record kept on a regular basis aboard ship is called a "log."The term comes from the fact that these records were originally kept by

inscribing information into shingles cut from logs and hinged so they opened

like books. Loose Cannon: Today the term "loose cannon" refers to someone who is out of

control, unpredictable, and who may cause damage, just as the canons would

do if they were to break loose on the decks of the old sailing vessels.

Loose Ends:Today the term "at loose ends" is used to reference someone whohas spare time and does not know what to do with themselves. The term comes

from the practice of having the ship's crew members repair and splice the ship's


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ropes when they didn't have something else to do. The crew member

performing this task was said to be at "loose ends."

Loose lips sink ships:This term originated during World War II by the USmilitary and was meant as a reminder that classified information was never to

be discussed as it posed unnecessary risks for naval ships. Today the term is

used to refer to the act of generally saying something that should not be said. Lubber or Landlubber: This term is used to mean a big, awkward or clumsy

person. The term landlubber originated as a derogatory term for an

inexperienced seaman who may be better off on land.

M

Maiden voyage: A term to reference a ship's first voyage. Today the term isapplied to most any type of first trip, whether it is a first trip in a new car or the

first voyage to a new place.

Main stay: Part of the standing rigging on a sailboat, it is the cable or ropewhich supports the mast from the front of the boat to the top of the mast.

Today it's use in the vernacular, as in "He was the mainstay of the

organization," meaning someone or something on which there is a principal

dependence.

Marooned:This term is used for an old punishment for mutineers. It consistedof placing the person on a remote island with very limited supplies and leaving

them to their fate. Today the term is used synonymous with stranded.

May Day: 'Mayday' is the internationally recognized voice radio signal forships and people in serious trouble at sea. The word comes from theFrench m'aidezwhich means "help me".

Mind your P's and Q's: Sailors would get credit at the taverns in port untilthey were paid. The barman would keep a record of their drinks on a

chalkboard behind the bar. A mark was made under "P" for pint or "Q" for

quart. On payday, the sailors were liable for each mark next to his name, so he

was forced to "mind his P's and Q's." Today the term means to remain well

behaved.

Miss the mark: This expression comes from sailing where the "mark" is arounding mark or buoy that sailboats competing in a regatta must sail around

before turning towards the next mark or finish line. If a sailboat misses themark, it must complete a 360-degree circle before continuing the race as a

penalty. Today the expression is used when one did not achieve an intended

goal or complete a plan.

N


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Nautical: The term 'Nautical' originates from the Greek word 'nauti'meaningsailor.

No room to swing a cat: During the whipping punishment using the "cat o'nine tails," all hands were called on deck to witness. With a full crew, the deck

could be so crowded that the cat o' nine tails was difficult to use without hitting

other crew members. In other words, there was "no room to swing a cat."Today the expression is used to indicate crowded or packed surroundings.

Now You're talkin': This was originally an expression used by sailors toindicate that the sails were set correctly and the ship was balanced. The tem is

still used to indicate agreement with what someone else is saying or a particular

course of action.

O

Off and On: An expression meaning at some times or occasionally. Itoriginated as an old naval expression meaning close to the shore by sailing off

and on or away from and towards the shore.

Old Salt: Nautical term for old, retired sailor or someone with many years ofsailing experience. The term is also used to mean a "genuine" kind of a person.

On an even keel: This is a term to indicate that a vessel has no lean or tilttowards either side. The expression is often used to reference something or

someone in a state of stability and balance.

On the wrong tack: This was originally a nautical term for a sailing vesselwhich is sailing a bit too close to the wind for that particular tack. The

expression is also used to reference someone approaching a task or problem

from the wrong direction or continuing in the wrong direction. Over a barrel: Sailors being punished were sometimes tied over a cannon

barrel when being whipped. Today the expression is used when someone is in a

bad situation and that there is often no other possible course of action.

Overhaul: An expression which refers to the action of the crew going aloft toadjust and replace ropes or lines to avoid chaffing while sailing. Today the

word means to maintain things in a working condition or to improve upon the

current condition, for example to overhaul or make repairs on a car.

Over-reach: This is an expression that originally meant to continue to saillonger upon a tack than is necessary in order to reach a given point. Today the

term is used in a general sense of exceeding a limit or having gone too far orover-extended in some venture.

Overwhelm: This term comes from the Middle English word meaning "tocapsize" or overturn a vessel. Today the term is synonymous with being

overcome, defeated or to capitulate.

P


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Passed with flying colors: This expression comes from the custom of sailingships that would fly their colors or put up their flags and pennants if they

wanted to be identified when passing other ships at sea. Today this expression

is used to refer to someone who has passed a test or some other type of trial

with a great margin.

Perks: This word comes from the naval abbreviation of the word "perquisites"meaning the allowances or benefits (often money) offered with any specific

office or appointment. Today the word is used outside of the navy and is

synonymous with benefit or advantage, like getting a company car for ones

own use.

Pidgin English: This is a term used to reference the limited or altered Englishlanguage spoken by non-native English speaking people. The term is likely

taken from the phonetic translation of the Chinese word meaning business, as

this form of English was often used in commercial trade in ports outside of

Europe.

Pipe Down: This originally nautical term was used as an officer's whistlesound denoting the completion of an above-deck work shift and thereby giving

permission to go below. This expression is now used to mean "be quiet" or

keep quiet".

Plumb the depths: This is an expression meaning to find out what's going onor to fully investigate something. Originally the phrase "plumb the depths"

came from the plumb or lead weight attached to a rope used to test the depth of

the water.

Pooped: This word is used to denote the swamping of an aft deck when sailingdown wind in high following seas. Today the word is used synonymously withworn-out or fatigued, perhaps as the crew member may have been on a

"pooped" deck.

Port Holes: Today the term is used to describe the windows, or openings on avessel. The word originates from the French wordportewhich means door. The

expression "port hole" originated when French boat builders began to install

small doors on the side of ships which could be opened to shoot the cannons.

Port and Starboard: Port is the nautical term for left and starboard meansright. Originally the words come from the old sailing ships that did not have a

rudder and were steered using a board on the right side which became known as

the "steerboard" side, the other side of the vessel was called the port side as theboat was docked on this side so as to not interfere with the steering board.

Posh:Today this word means superior or fashionable and expensive. The wordoriginated in colonial Boston where the trunks of the wealthy passengers would

have the label "POSH", which stood for "Portside Out Starboard Home"

instructing the luggage handlers where to place the luggage to avoid intense sun

exposure.


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22/26

little desired serving. Today this term is used to mean the last resort or

something generally not wanted.

Scupper: This word originated as naval slang for killed. Today it is used tomean finishing something off as in 'He was scuppered off that job.'.

Scurvy: This is a term meaning that a person has vitamin C deficiencyresulting in discolored skin spots, swollen legs, putrid gums and even death.The ship's crew avoided the illness by eating citrus fuits.

Scuttle: This is a naval term for deliberately sinking a ship to prevent captureby an enemy. Today the term means to wreck or spoil a plan or idea.

Scuttlebutt: This is a word synonymous with rumor or gossip. The wordoriginates from the drinking ladle with small holes or scuttles in it to reduce the

small talk and wasted time at the water barrel. The holes forced the sailors to

drink fast before the water ran out.

Shake a leg: This term means to move rapidly. Originally a call to get thehands out of their hammocks to go to work.

Shanghai: To Shanghai someone is to make them drunk or insensible to getthem aboard an outward-bound ship in need of a crew, or, more generally, to

trick someone into going somewhere. The term may have originated in the

phrase "Ship him to Shanghai", meaning to send someone on a long one way

voyage, often to the Orient.

Shape up: This is an expression meaning to point up or shape up the currentcourse to avoid danger when sailing off a lee shore. Today the expression is

used synonymously with "get it together".

Shifting ballast: This is a term used by sailing crews to refer to the passengersonboard.

Ship shape: This is a term we use today to mean neat, tidy or organized. Theexpression originated from the inspections that were started during the 1800's

to ensure the the ships were clean enough so as to not bring anything such as

disease into a port. When inspected and approved for port entry, they were said

to be "ship shape".

Showing your true colors: This is an expression which originated from the oldwarship custom of having flags from many places available onboard to deceive

a potential enemy. Showing your true colors meant to use the ship's correct

flag. The expression now means much the same-- to reveal one's true

intentions. Skipper: The word skipper is synonymous with boat Captain and originates

from the Dutch word 'schipper'that means the master of a trading vessel.

Skyscraper: This word is most commonly used to describe a tall building. Theword originates from the term for a small, triangular shaped sail that was set

above the other sails on the old square-rigged vessels. They were so tall they

seemed to scrape the sky.


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Slush fund: This term originates from the practice of the ship's cook puttingthe fat from the bottom of the food barrel into a "slush fund" where it was

stored until they reached the port where it would be sold to tanneries or candle

makers. The word is now used to describe a money reserve.

Snub: This means to suddenly stop or secure a line. The word is used today inthe expression 'To snub someone' meaning to cut someone off or intentionallyignore him or her.

Son of a gun: This expression comes from the term for children conceived onthe gun decks of a ship. When in port, women were often brought on board.

Since the sailors had no private quarters, they would sling hammocks between

the guns or cannons for their liaasons. Today the expression 'son of a gun' is

used as an expression of surprise.

Sound off: This expression comes from the practice of sailors 'sounding off' orshouting the number of fathoms as noted when sounding the depth in unknown

water. Today the expression is used when voicing one's opinion.

Spin a Yarn: Today, this expression means to tell a story, much of which maybe out of fantasy. The expression originated from the stories sailors would tell

while making spun-yarn or doing other repetitious chores.

Sponge: This is a word used to refer to someone who 'uses' others for exampleby borrowing money with no intent to repay the debt. The term comes from the

detention area for debtor's that was called the sponge.

Square meal: This is an expression synonymous with a proper or substantialmeal. It originated from the square platters that were used to serve meals

aboard ships.

Stand off: This is an expression which means to maintain a course away fromshore. The term is now also used synonymously with to be aloof, evade or

remain at a distance.

Starboard and Port:Starboard is the nautical term for right and port meansleft. Originally the words come from old sailing ships which did not have a

rudder and were steered using a board on the right side which became known as

the "steerboard" side The other side of the vessel was called the port side as the

boat was docked on this side so as to not interfere with the steering board.

Stay on an even keel: This is a term to indicate that a vessel has no lean or tilttowards either side. The expression is often used to reference something or

someone in a state of stability and balance. Stem the tide: An expression originally used to mean that a ship was sailing

against the tide fast enough to make headway over the ground or to move faster

than the tide in the opposite direction. Today the expression means to stop,

slow, or prevent an event.

Stick in the mud: This expression was originally used to refer to someone ofno consequence, such as a pirate or mutineer, which came from the old English


24/26

practice of burying executed criminal seamen in the mud of the Thames

river. Today the expression is used to mean someone not likely to be persuaded

or change.

Stranded: This word was originally used to describe a vessel that has beendriven aground during a storm. Today stranded is synonymous with stuck,

marooned or abandoned. Swashbuckler: Swashbuckler has become synonymous with adventurer,

explorer or traveler. The word originated in the 1500's, and was used to refer to

below average swordsman.

T

Taken Aback: This is a term used to describe the position of a sailing vesselwith the bow or front facing directly into the wind so that neither side of the

sails fill. Today the expression is used to describe a sense of being surprised or

shocked by an unforeseen event.

Take someone down a peg or two: This expression comes from the fact thatthe flags of old sailing vessels were raised or lowered using pegs. To lower a

flag meant to surrender. Today the expression is still used to mean to deflate

someone's ego or lower someone's status.

Take the wind out of his sails: Today this expression means to stop someone'sforward momentum in some venture or to 'bring someone back down to reality'.

The term comes from literally taking the wind out of someone's sails by sailing

upwind or to windward, causing the other vessels to slow or stop.

Taking the wrong tack: This was originally a nautical term for a sailingvessel which is sailing a bit too close to the wind for that particular tack. Theexpression is also used to reference someone approaching a task or problem

from the wrong direction or continuing to go off in the wrong direction.

Tally: The word originally comes from the tally stick used in checking orcounting cargo from a vessel. Today the word means to count or add up as in

'taking a tally of his money'.

Thar she blows. Today an expression meaning 'there it is.' Originally this wasthe cry of the crew on a whaling boat when a whale was spotted.

Three sheets to the wind: This expression meant that one did not have controlof the vessel because one had lost control of the sheets or lines. Today the

expression is used to refer to someone who is drunk or does not have control ofhimself or herself.

Tide-Waiter: This expression refers to someone who waits to see the trend ofevents before taking action, much like ship captains wait for tides to continue

on a given course.

Time and Tide waits for no man: This phrase refers to procrastination. Actnow as the time and tide will continue regardless of one's actions.


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nautical language history

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