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Oct 3, 2023 · From salty sayings to seafaring slang, we’ve compiled a list of the top slang terms for sailors that will have you feeling like an old salt in no time. So, batten down the hatches and get ready to set sail into a world of maritime expressions that will leave you saying, “Aye, aye, captain!”
- Squid. This term is used to refer to a Navy sailor. It is believed to have originated from the resemblance of a sailor’s uniform to a squid’s tentacles.
- Swabbie. This slang term is used to describe a junior sailor or someone who is new to the Navy. It comes from the traditional role of “swabbing the deck” or cleaning the ship’s floors.
- Shellback. This term is used to describe a sailor who has crossed the Equator. It is a tradition in the Navy for sailors to go through a ceremony when they cross this imaginary line.
- Deck Ape. This slang term is used to refer to a sailor who works in the deck division, which is responsible for maintaining the ship’s exterior and handling lines and anchors.
Searches related to What does sailor mean in slang?
- Bitter End: The loose, unattached end of a line, as opposed to the "working end," which may be attached to an anchor, other vessel, or cleat. Now this term is commonly used describe a painful or final conclusion.
- Cat’s out of the bag- The cat o’ nine tails whip was used to punish sailors, so if it was out of the bag in which it was stored, that meant that the secret of someone’s wrongdoing was known.
- Deep Six: The unit to measure depth of the sea is called a fathom, which is 6 feet—about the height of a sailor. This term was used to refer to throwing something overboard, and it has come to mean getting rid of something.
- Dressed to the nines: When a maritime victory was celebrated, a ship would return to her home port "dressed" in bunting and flags. The crew would also be dressed in their best and out on the nine yards of a tall ship to greet their country.
- Chit
- Scuttlebutt
- Crank
- Cadillac
- Knee-Knockers
- Comshaw
- Gear Adrift
- Snipe
- Airdale
- Gun Decking
A chit in the Navy refers to any piece of paper from a form to a pass and even currency. According to the Navy history museum, the word chit was carried over from the days of Hindu traders when they used slips of paper called “citthi” for money.
The Navy term for water fountain. The Navy History Museumdescribes the term as a combination of “scuttle,” to make a hole in the ship’s side causing her to sink, and “butt,” a cask or hogshead used in the days of wooden ships to hold drinking water; thus the term scuttlebutt means a cask with a hole in it.
The term used to describe a mess deck worker, typically a new transferee assigned to the mess decks while qualifying for regular watch.
This is the term used to describe a mop bucket with wheels and a ringer. When sailors are assigned to cleaning duties, they prefer the luxurious Cadillac over the bucket.
A knee-knocker refers to the bottom portion of a watertight door’s frame. They are notorious for causing shin injuries and drunken sailors hate them.
The term used when obtaining something outside of official channels or payment, usually by trading or bartering. For example, sailors on a deployed ship got pizza in exchange for doing the laundry of the C-2 Greyhound crew that flew it in. *Younger sailors may use the term “drug deal” instead of comshaw.
The term used to describe items that are not properly stowed away. The shoes in this picture would be considered gear adrift. Also sometimes phrased as “gear adrift is a gift.”
The term used to describe sailors that work below decks, usually those that are assigned to engineering rates, such as Machinists Mates, Boilermen, Enginemen, Hull Technicians, and more.
These are sailors assigned to the air wing — everyone from pilots down to the airplane maintenance crew.
Filling out a log or form with imaginary data, usually done out of laziness or to satisfy an inspection.
Slang Terms for A Sailor with Meanings. Salt – Experienced sailor. Swabbie – Navy enlisted person. Shellback – Sailor who’s crossed the equator. Deck ape – Deck or line-handling sailor. Sea dog – Old, experienced sailor. Old tar – Old-time sailor.
Jun 27, 2023 · Sailors have a way of speaking, and the sport has its own language. Some sailing phrases are common in everyday language, while others are only really used on a sailboat. The ones common in our everyday language have a nautical origin that will make you a more enlightened sailor, as well.
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Sep 17, 2021 · Many common phrases in the English language come from sailors, including “chock-a-block,” “Dutch courage,” a “clean bill of health” and many others. Here are some of our favorites….
