Dictionary of Naval Slang

A Dictionary of Naval Slang is a humorous and fascinating collection of naval argot, jargon, lingo, and cant, and a window into the lost world of living on the high seas. It was first published in 1943 and includes a foreword by author and former Royal Navy submariner Richard Humphreys.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 04 November 2021
Publisher: Swift Press

For centuries, the sailors of the Royal Navy have been renowned for their vibrant and colourful language. Trapped aboard leaky ships and creaking vessels for extended periods, sometimes spanning years, the crews developed a distinct language all their own. Veteran sailor Gerald ODriscoll celebrated the Royal Navy's heyday and preserved its unique language in this hilarious and fascinating collection.

"A Dictionary of Naval Slang" takes the reader on a journey through the world of naval argot, jargon, lingoes, and cant, offering a glimpse into the lost world of living on the high seas. Originally published in 1943, this modern gift edition features a foreword by author and former Royal Navy submariner Richard Humphreys.

Among the entries in the dictionary are:

Clampy: Nickname for the owner of exceptionally large feet.

Gutzkrieg: A pain in the stomach.

Rum-fiend: As the term suggests, a man who is an avid consumer of rum.

Scaly-back: A veteran; one who has spent an excessive amount of time in the navy.

Tin-eye: Nickname given to anyone who wears a monocle.

Wall-flower: Scathing reference to any ship that remains moored to a dockyard wall for an extended period.

"A Dictionary of Naval Slang" is a treasure trove of maritime terminology that offers a glimpse into the colourful and often humorous world of the Royal Navy. Whether you are a seasoned sailor or a landlubber with a fascination for the sea, this book is sure to entertain and educate you in equal measure.

Weight: 204g
Dimension: 135 x 205 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800750654