Everyday Nautical Phrases
Being ready to hit the open waters isn't simply about having a well stocked boat
. Making sure you are armed with some nautical sayings and phrases can also come in handy. Many of these sayings are from times gone by, but still hold meaning today.
From the times when people would spend most of their lives at sea or 'seafaring' as it is called, is reference to the days when people would work at sea. They had many nautical phrases and boat related sayings that are still used today and some of them have even made it into our everyday language.
Some of the nautical sayings we hear we associate with pirates such as 'shiver my timbers' and 'walk the plank'. Whilst not necessarily useful these nautical terms are still fun.
Some of these nautical sayings can be helpful when working with a boat crew. Kind of like commands that help you get the job done quickly..
Below is a list of some of the most common nautical phrases and sayings. Many of which are used in everyday language.
A1 - A first-class ship.. Now used to refer to something that is of high quality
All above board - This means anything above the deck but it used today to mean something that is good and open.
Adrift - Something that is not tied down. For example a boat.
As the crow flies - Originates from when ships would release a crow in order to help a boat find its position. It now means the straightest and easiest distance between two points.
Bitter end - This actually means a loose line, or an anchor. Today we refer to the 'bitter end' when we want to say that we will do something until it is finished, no matter how hard it is.
Clean Slate - Where the watch keeper kept a record of the nights events. It now means starting anew or again.
Fathom - A fathom is a nautical measurement. One fathom is equal to six feet. It now means trying to figure something out.
Gripe - A ship will gripe if its sail is not affixed properly. This will mean it won't be balanced properly and is therefore said to 'gripe'.. Gripe in today's terms means to moan or complain.
Keel over - A ship that has capsized.. Nowadays it can refer to someone who has died. 'He keeled over'..
Learning the ropes - Teaching a member of the crew how to hoist a sail or use the ropes on a boat. This has a similar meaning back on dry land. If you are to show someone the ropes you are teaching them how to do something.
Pipe down - This was a signal which meant that you needed to turn your lights off and be quiet. Often used nowadays to mean 'be quiet'.!
Rummage sale - If a ships cargo was damaged then it would be sold at a rummage sale. Rummage sales happen on land now also. Often to mean second hand items being sold, much like a car boot sale.
Square meal - This was a crews meal on a square wooden plate. Now it means a wholesome meal or a meal that is healthy.
Three sheets to the wind - Most small boats have three sheets that make up their sail. If you have three sheets flying then you don't have control of your boat. Nowadays it is reference to someone who is drunk.
Many of these nautical phrases are utilised in everyday terms.. A lot of the nautical sayings that were used years ago have simply gone out of fashion. They hold no meaning any more and can seem dated. However some have changed over the years but now hold new meaning. Sailing seems to almost have a language of its own!
by: Simon White
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