Overview

Sea-words, from sea power to word power; the Royal Navy's contribution to English words, phrases, aphorisms, and sayings now in everyday use. Charles II inaugurated the Royal Navy in the 17th century and as such it policed the oceans protecting Britain's Empire and whilst doing so the Navy garnered many new and unusual expressions. Phrases such as 'under the weather, 'nip and tuck', 'all above board' and 'banyan', owe their origins to the Navy. Typical of the English language, many of these modern idioms are corruptions of foreign words, misheard, misunderstood or misquoted. This provides us with a rich if not accurate reflection of the Royal Navy's contact with other nationals, mainly Dutch, French, Spanish, Indian, American and not a little skewed Latin. Sea-words may help settle a quiz argument or help a crossword solver trace the origin of an unusual English phrase - but it will fuel just as many debates as our knowledge of life at sea fades from our collective memory to become vague recollections by old seafarers, old salts. Also by this author, A Brief History of the Royal Navy - Its People, Places and Pets. The London Press, London, ISBN 1905006063.

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