Nautical Sayings and their Origins

Sailing boats and yachts moored at Chichester Marina

So many of the phrases we use every day come from the language of sailors and life at sea. Centuries of seafaring have shaped the English language in ways we often don’t realise.

From being told to pipe down to liking the cut of someone’s jib, here are some familiar nautical sayings and the stories behind them.


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Southampton Boat Show – Local Insider’s Guide

The Southampton Boat Show is an annual highlight in the vibrant port city of Southampton, Hampshire, UK. Living nearby, I’ve been to the show many times and would like to share some local insider knowledge with you: how to get there, where to park, where to stay, and the best spots to eat and drink while you’re in town.

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Docktails: Refreshing Drinks for Sailors to Enjoy Safely at the Dock

Docktail recipes

After a day on the water, there’s nothing quite like tying up, kicking back, and watching the sun slip below the horizon. Sailors have always enjoyed the ritual of a sundowner, but cocktails and sailing don’t mix – and even when safely moored, alcohol can still carry risks. Nobody wants an evening ruined by a slip off the pontoon.

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