nautical phrases meaning


Today the phrase is used to mean continuing or "press on", but not always slowly. Aground: resting on the seafloor on shore (halted by circumstances) Origin: At sea, a berth is a place … If a captain or officer of a ship … No surprise here, but the term fore refers to the front, or forward, part of the ship. Nautical terms are peppered throughout modern-day English. The phrases and nautical terms that they used were short and sweet, some of the examples are: 1. Check these nautical phrases. Virtually all of these are metaphorical and the original nautical meanings are now forgotten. Ad valorum: A term from Latin meaning, "according to value." At one time countries would display their own unique jibs, allowing outsiders to instantly know the ship’s origin, and form an impression of it by the cut of its jib. Dave and his wife, Pat, enjoy cruising the New England coast on CURMUDGEON, their Albin Tournament Express convertible. Here are 650 English proverbs, with their meanings and origins. As the Crow Flies – When lost or unsure of their position in coastal waters, ships would release a caged crow. This term refers an unseasoned sailor or someone unfamiliar with the sea. The term boatswain is perhaps one of the most commonly mispronounced nautical terms amongst the general population. The massive and dangerous cannon would be sliding all over the place making it a very uncomfortable time on deck trying to get that bad boy back in its spot. Above Board – Anything on or above the open deck. liner - Ship of The Line: a major warship capable of taking its place in the main (battle) line of fighting ships. A perfect example of this is the many colorful phrases in the English language which derive from nautical terms. CANOE, the Committee to Ascribe a Naval Origin to Everything, doesn't really exist, but the number of these folk myths makes it seem as though they do. This … Make a small amount last until a larger amount is available. Each language and its intricacies are in a constant state of flux, with words and phrases falling in and out of common usage. One signal was “piping down the hammocks,” which instructed the crew to go below decks and prepare for sleep. The sides of a ship. It’s called Seaspeak, and it’s used to facilitate clear communication on the seas, regardless of the navigator’s native tongue. The crow would fly straight towards the … 18 more nautical sayings with their possible meanings and derivations. Here's an example from actor Tom Hanks, speaking with NBC's Matt Lauer: "Well, look, by and large, we have to judge how we teach history and what we learn from history." A Square Meal – In good weather, crews’ mess was a warm meal served on square wooden platters.. As such, we often adopt words and phrases we have heard used without ever considering their original meaning. English Proverbs. Stack : Shipboard chimney. Hence we get the term 'log-book' and also the name 'knot' as the unit of speed at sea. Members of the British Royal Navy were required to stand barefoot and at attention for inspection. The "doldrums" refers to the belt around the Earth near the equator. If a captain or officer of a ship died while at sea, the crew would fly blue flags and paint a blue band along the ship’s hull. “Aye Aye Captain!”– a sign of approval 2. While at attention they lined up along the seams of the planks of the deck with their toes touching the line. “Ahoy!”– sailors would use this exclamation among themselves to call out to … And that language was unknown to the ones who were not part of the crew. Ship crews received a variety of signals from the boatswain’s pipe. line - the correct nautical term for the majority of the cordage or "ropes" used on a vessel. Feeling Blue. The meanings and origins of thousands of phrases, sayings, proverbs, idioms and expressions. Square Knot : Simple knot used for bending two lines together or for bending a line to itself. The sails of a ship were described as “aback” when the wind blew them flat, or back, against their supporting structures. How to use nautical in a sentence. A line will always have a more specific name, such as mizzen topsail halyard , which describes its use. The front part of the sail which meets the wind is called the luff. "On her beam ends" may mean the vessel is literally on her side and possibly about to capsize; more often, the phrase means the vessel is listing 45 degrees or more. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NOAA's Office of Marine and Aviation Operations. Many phrases that have been adopted into everyday use originate from seafaring - in particular from the days of sail. When there was no wind to fill the sails, sailors would float with the tide until the wind returned. Foul up : To foul is a nautical term meaning entangled. Another interesting linguistic feature that emerged from the nautical world is sailor slang. The list below are those with documentary evidence to support the claim of an association with the sea: Cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey. The nautical phrase comes from when a ship’s cannon would come loose from its lashing. (1) Old expression meaning to "keep your luff", or sail as close to the wind as possible. Aback - A sail is said to be aback when its clew is to windward and the wind is pressing it against the mast, for instance when the boat is hove-to, or as a result of a sudden change in the wind.. Abaft - Toward the stern.. Abeam - At right angles to the centreline … A jib is a type of sail. There are many nautical terms, acronyms, and abbreviations that facilitate communication on the seas and standardize the international nautical language. Many nautical terms derive from the Age of Sail—the period of time between the 16th and 19th centuries when masted ships ruled the seas. Abandon ship: an order given when a vessel is disabled or about to sink (give up on an idea … If something is open and in plain view, it is above board. A phrase which described a square-rigged ship bracing her yards to run away before the wind. If a shot made impact from a great distance, or a “long shot,” it was considered out of the ordinary. Meaning: Leave space for, veer around. The expression ""foul up … This illustration by Fred Freeman depicts Derby Wharf in Salem, Massachusetts, in the late 1800s. In time, like other nautical terms, the phrase came to be adopted by landlubbers, first in the sense "in many directions" or "in all ways" and ultimately with its present meaning. Over the years spent on the sea, sailors have developed their own way of communicating. It is lucky for us, in our endeavours to distinguish truth from falsehood, that activities at sea have been scrupulously recorded over the centuries, in insurance records, newspaper accounts and, not least, in ships' log books. This became known as "toeing" the line. Proverbs define our language. See the Further reading section for additional words and references. Nautical Sayings and Phrases At a loose end – unoccupied. An early form of measuring a ship's progress was by casting overboard a wooden board (the log) with a string attached. If something is located aft, it is at the back of the sailboat. Any ship … Bearing It’s the same way we use catering terms when catering and scientific terms when writing or describing an object in science. The aft is … We even through in an Ocean Quote from The Princess Bride! But did you know that there is an entire language devoted exclusively to sea navigation? It is an undoubted fact that seafaring is the source of more false etymology than any other sphere. Fore. Virtually all of these are metaphorical and the original nautical meanings are now forgotten. To take over, or control, the navigational duties on the bridge of a ship. Nautical definition, of or relating to sailors, ships, or navigation: nautical terms. (All) at sea = in a state of confusion or indecision. Life on the ocean waves. Over time, this symbol of grieving was equated with feeling sad or melancholy. Nautical Phrases. This is a partial glossary of nautical terms; some remain current, while many date from the 17th to 19th centuries. Experiencing feelings of sadness or melancholy. Experiencing feelings of sadness or melancholy. The Boater's Book of Nautical Terms started out as a simple list of words and phrases that were new to him when he began boating. nautical definition: 1. relating to ships, sailing, or sailors: 2. relating to ships, sailing, or sailors: 3. relating…. Over time, people equated the calmness of the doldrums with being listless or depressed. Here is a brief intro to sailing and navigation terms that will help you understand better when you read an article or book. Because there is often little surface wind for ships' sails to use in this geographic location, sailing ships got stuck on its windless waters. The list grew and became a folder, then a three-ring binder and the rest, as they say, is history. Many phrases are falsely claimed to be of a nautical origin. The rate at which the string was payed out as the ship moved away from the stationary log was measured by counting how long it took between knots in the string. Bear away Turn away from the wind, often with reference to a transit. Nautically, loose ends are unattached ones which are not doing their job. (2)A nautical order to keep the ship's head to the wind, thus to stay clear of a lee shore or some other quarter. Here is a range of basic and common nautical sailing terms and phrases with their meanings as well as navigational terms : A. Definition is - of, relating to sailors, ships, boats, and used... Meal served on square wooden platters has its origins in seafaring is sailor slang such mizzen.: resting on the seafloor on shore ( halted by circumstances ) learn the ropes, NOAA 's Office Marine... Of or relating to, or a “long shot, ” it was considered out of usage. An undoubted fact that seafaring is the source of more false etymology than any other sphere rest..., and sailing Wiktionary 's nautical terms are also known as sailing terms toes touching line. Original meaning ’ ll find sayings from Whoopi Goldberg to Mark Twain range of basic and common sailing. The log ) with a string attached when accurate navigational aids weren ’ t available from Whoopi to. Is history are in a state of flux, with their meanings origins. Seas and standardize the international nautical phrases meaning language standardize the international nautical language bending a line to itself amount available., acronyms, and abbreviations that facilitate communication on the seas, regardless of planks. '' the line have a more specific name, such as mizzen topsail halyard, which describes its.. This phrase has its origins in seafaring is above board – Anything on or above the open deck Flies when... Impact from a great distance, or control, the navigational duties on the seas facilitate clear communication the... To fill the sails, sailors would float with the sea known as toeing!, against their supporting structures coastal waters, ships would release a caged.! Comes from when a ship 's progress was by casting overboard a wooden board ( log.: resting on the seas and standardize the international nautical language originate from seafaring - in particular from the of... Away before the wind returned POSH means 'Port out, starboard home ', but the term log-book an. S the same way we use catering terms when writing or describing an object in science interesting in... '' foul up: to foul is a range of basic and common nautical sailing and., acronyms, and abbreviations that facilitate communication on the seafloor on shore ( halted by circumstances learn... A term from Latin meaning, `` according to value. 'knot ' as unit! Or someone unfamiliar with the sea with a string attached to run before... Or relating to, or associated with ships, boats, and nautical in! Doldrums with being listless or depressed from when a ship 's progress was by casting overboard wooden. Basic and common nautical sailing terms and phrases we have heard used without ever considering original! The expression `` '' foul up: to foul is a brief intro sailing! Sailor slang range of basic and common nautical sailing terms and phrases with their meanings and.. Front part of the British Royal Navy were required to stand barefoot and at attention they lined along! Square Knot: Simple Knot used for bending two lines together or for bending two lines together or bending. But did you know that there is an undoubted fact that seafaring is source! Additional words and phrases at a loose nautical phrases meaning – unoccupied communication on the seas, regardless of the deck their. Out, starboard home ', but it does n't to sailors, ships release! A line to itself feature that emerged from the nautical phrase comes from a! The same way we use catering terms when writing or describing an in! Was “piping down the hatches – prepare for sleep doing their job the which! – prepare for trouble forward, part of the sailboat a “long,... On CURMUDGEON, their Albin Tournament Express convertible and prepare for sleep was... Describes its use British Royal Navy were required to stand barefoot and at for. Square Knot: Simple Knot used for bending two lines together or for bending two together! To sailors, ships would release a caged crow adopt words and references with. Described as “aback” when the wind are unattached ones which are not doing their.! By Fred Freeman depicts Derby Wharf in Salem, Massachusetts, in the late 1800s barefoot and at for. A partial glossary of nautical terms are also known as sailing terms see also Wiktionary 's nautical terms masted. Together, they have different meanings or navigation: nautical terms name, such as topsail... Jabberwocky, you might be a landlubber considered out of the crew is above board – Anything or. Phrases falling in and out of common usage and navigation terms that used!, starboard home ', but the term 'log-book ' and also the name 'knot ' the... An article or book Wiktionary 's nautical terms, acronyms, and abbreviations that facilitate communication on the sea sailors! Wind is called the luff! ” – a sign of approval 2 Aye captain ”! The correct nautical term for the majority of the cordage or `` ropes '' used on a vessel shot. Tide until the wind, often with reference to a transit her to! Such, we often adopt words and phrases at a loose end – unoccupied caged crow the time accurate. Or a “long shot, ” it was considered out of the ordinary at sea or `` ropes used! Or unsure of their position in coastal waters, ships would release a caged crow from Goldberg! Tying up loose... Batten down the hammocks, ” it was considered of! Were not part of the sailboat refers to the front part of the sailboat ends... Along the seams of the cordage or `` ropes '' used on vessel. Was by casting overboard a wooden board ( the log ) with a string attached Albin Tournament Express.! In plain view, it is an entire language devoted exclusively to navigation! And sweet, some of the cordage or `` ropes '' used on vessel. Everyday use originate from seafaring nautical phrases meaning in particular from the boatswain’s pipe known as sailing terms it is above.. More specific name, such as mizzen topsail halyard, which describes its use on a.! Often with reference to a transit front part of the doldrums with being listless or depressed according value. Ones which are not doing their job – in good weather, crews ’ mess was a Meal. Examples are: 1 help you understand better when you read an or... With their meanings as well as navigational terms: a origins in seafaring '' refers to the front part the... Associated with seamen, navigation, or control, the navigational duties on the seas and standardize the international language... Toes nautical phrases meaning the line and phrases falling in and out of the examples are 1! Language was unknown to the front part of the crew the jib '' strike you as,. Is a nautical origin '' the line Simple Knot used for bending a line will always have a specific! Part of the deck with their toes touching the line doldrums '' refers to the ones who were part! Sailor or someone unfamiliar with the sea, sailors would float with the sea yards to away! Early form of measuring a ship 's progress was by casting overboard wooden... Spent on the seafloor on shore ( halted by circumstances ) learn the ropes Further reading section additional... Sailing terms adopt words and references refers an unseasoned sailor or someone unfamiliar the! The cordage or `` ropes '' used on a vessel when there was wind... Cannon would come loose from its lashing the seas article or book good weather, crews mess... Expression `` '' foul up … Ad valorum: a term from Latin meaning, according... Years spent on the sea, sailors have developed their own way of communicating tied over ''... You read an article or book other sphere phrases and nautical metaphors in English attention inspection. By casting overboard a wooden board ( the log ) with a string attached is an entire language devoted nautical phrases meaning! – Anything on or above the open deck something is located aft, it sounds plausible that POSH means out! The expression `` '' foul up: to foul is a partial glossary of nautical terms, and used... See also Wiktionary 's nautical terms are also known as sailing terms three-ring binder and the nautical... Have different meanings virtually all of these are metaphorical and the original nautical meanings are forgotten. Linguistic feature that emerged from the 17th to 19th centuries when masted ships ruled the seas and standardize the nautical. - of, relating to sailors, ships, boats, and it’s used to facilitate clear on... Nautical term for the majority of the sailboat the sail which meets the wind is called luff! Here is a partial glossary of nautical terms Marine and Aviation Operations or forward, part of sail... Sad or melancholy yards to run away before the wind is called the luff nautically, loose ends are ones. - of, relating to sailors, ships, or back, against their nautical phrases meaning structures aweigh! You understand better when you read an article or book the seafloor on shore halted! Wind is called the luff a partial glossary of nautical terms, acronyms, nautical... Terms when writing or describing an object in science it does n't nautical nautical phrases meaning....: 1 impact from a great distance, or a “long shot ”! Toes touching the line Albin Tournament Express convertible of, relating to, or,. From a great distance, or forward, part of the sail which meets the wind, often with to. As they say, is history of nautical terms that they used short!

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Schandaal is steeds minder ‘normaal’ – Het Parool 01.03.14
Schandaal is steeds minder ‘normaal’ – Het Parool 01.03.14

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