Thursday, July 30, 2015

By Their Ropes Ye Shall Know the Measure of the Sailor

As an on-going project here on DoryMan, I've tried to mitigate some of the confusion about nautical terms with the glossary found at the top of the sidebar to your right - spent much of today filling in new entries. In fact, until I'm dazed and confused myself. If you find any mistakes, let me know.

How often have I seen that glazed look on the face of a passenger or crew, the blank stare of one who hasn't understood a single word uttered? In mutual desperation, I have even found myself lately referring to the right or left side of the boat and "that green rope near your right hand". (incidentally, Belle Starr has color-coordinated lines to facilitate communication. I'm trying, really am.)

Like I said, this is a project with no end. Every new entry begs another. Not one definition is self-explanatory. A lexicographer must be a very special species indeed. Please, if you have something you'd like to contribute, don't hesitate. For now we'll stick to English, though nautical language the world over is a beautiful flower, music of the sea.

Your friend, Michael
mbogoger (at) gmail



7 comments:

Alden Smith said...

Very cool music video I liked it a lot!!

EyeInHand said...

Nice music. That was one of the stranger videos I've seen, though. Not an unappealing strange, necessarily, but strange nonetheless.

Tweezerman said...

Good tune and musicians. Reminds me that I haven't seen Irish music live this summer - a rarity.

doryman said...

Ok you guys. The post is not about the video! I'm happy you liked it though. As for it's strangeness Barry, there's a whole category of videos out today made by classically trained musicians covering pop tunes and the vids seem to be aimed at young people. Lots of swirly dancing and dubbed music. Who wouldn't love to splash through a stream in bare feet while playing an expensive instrument and when done, just leave it laying on the shingle?

Joel Bergen said...

Not only did I like the video, but I couldn't help but notice the background scenery looked oddly familiar. Very familiar. Very, very familiar. A quick Google revealed that the Gothard Sisters are from right here in Edmonds, WA. And their next local concert is in Everett on Nov 14. I've marked my calendar. Small world. Thanks Mike!

Tom Clarke said...

Word for lexicon: "POSH" acronym for "Port Out Starboard Home" referring to the P & O Line ships outbound/homebound from India in late 19th century... One asked (paid for) for POSH accommodations which put you on the 'shady' (Port) side of the ship outbound and on the 'shady' side (Starboard) homebound. Now POSH refers to any 'major upscale' accommodations.

doryman said...

Thank you Tom. I'd never heard of that particular acronym. It sounds like a very British term, though my research suggests there is no historical foundation for such a definition. Of course, being a slang term (how many nautical terms are considered slang?!?) the actual origin is lost in time. One thing is certain, your definition is a very popular one, the proof being how often it is debunked. I think I'll include this definition in the glossary, with a caveat. The American Heritage Dictionary indicates that posh was once slang for money, but seems vague about that as well.