This browser is not actively supported anymore. For the best passle experience, we strongly recommend you upgrade your browser.
| less than a minute read

Lots Of English Words You Use Everyday Come From Sailors

Get in touch

JC

Get in touch

JC

Pipe down and listen up, matey! Whether you realize it or not, a lot of our current vernacular has maritime origins.

So, batten down the hatches (see what I did there?) and let's see just a few examples:

  • I like the cut of your jib
  • He keeled over, she was on an even keel
  • Let's try a different tack
  • Give them a wide berth
  • We won't make any headway if I can't get my bearings

There are so many that it's almost overwhelming (yes, that's another one!).

Check out the article, and watch the embedded video for a fun look at how our seafaring decedent's still impact what we say today!

There’s so much about the sea that we still don’t know, but we learned plenty of good ways to talk about it by putting a bunch of young punks on boats hundreds of years ago and letting them develop a vernacular.
jalopnik.com/...
featured image

Tags

language, history, speech, slang, english, fun facts, did you know

Get in touch

JC

Get in touch

JC

Latest Insights

Creating, sharing and inspiring change. For good.

The global issues we face are challenging and interconnected. They can seem insurmountable. But if you know where to look, co-operation, positive change and hope are all around us. Build Back Ever Better is a project that recognises the progress being made, and the amazing people who are making a difference. Share your own hopes, pledges and projects with #BBEB, or become a contributor.

Please read our BBEB Charter PDF.

Join the conversation

If you have your own stories to share, please provide us with your details below to receive an invitation to start publishing your content.