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Many phrases in common use today, like "as the crow flies" and "three sheets to the wind," originated from naval slang. The writers, musicians, filmmakers, and TV personalities who adopt these phrases increasingly expose the public to the sailor's language, yet few are aware of the original meanings. This entertaining book provides a fascinating compilation of naval slang, ranging from terms describing ship handling and seamanship, to food and drink, to discipline and insults. The text is enhanced with original line drawings that illustrate the meaning of such nautical terms as "splice the mainbrace." The book draws on the rich linguistic heritage of both the British and American navies, known for their quirks and nuances as well as their traditions, to offer a work that will appeal to word lovers everywhere.
Martin Robson, a former research fellow at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, England, is also the author of The Battle of Trafalgar.
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