Nautical terminology is the old sea language used by sailors since the beginning of the age of sail, unfortunately these terms are quickly vanishing beyond the horizon. Here is a list of some old words and phrases that were once commonplace onboard a great sailing ship.
Roundly. Smart and swiftly.
Monkey Poop. Low deck on the very back of the ship.
Tabling. Broad hem sewn to the edge of a sail.
Douse. To lower or slacken a rope quickly.
Flemish Coil. To coil a rope flat on the deck.
Judas. Any rope left hanging and unsecure.
Break Bulk. To open a ships hold to unload cargo.
Jolly Boat. Small but Strongly built boat used for general purposes.
Banyan Day. Any day the crew receives a treat like extra food or rum.
Barbarising. Scrubbing the deck with a mix of sand and cleaning powder.
Bilboes. Iron bars used to attach shackles for confining prisoners.
Creeper. Iron hook used for recovering items from the bottom.
Oilskins. Waterproof coat made from fabric treated with linseed oil.
Dandyfunk. Meal of broken biscuits, Molasses and any other ingredients.
Burgoo. Boiled oatmeal porridge with salt sugar and butter.
Bleed the monkey. To steal rum out of the barrel with a straw or pipe.
Copper Bottomed. Very safe and secure.
Dhobie. The act of washing clothes.
Jack Nastyface. Nickname for a disliked member of the crew.
Lubberly. To act in an unseamanlike way.
Shellback. Old sailor who tells well embroidered tales of his experiences.
We’ll sail you soon
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