nautical terms Archives

June 4, 2019December 22, 2021 by Erica

Nautical Phrases in Everyday Use

There are an inordinate amount of nautical phrases in everyday use. Here are just a few:

Faffing About

One of my favourite expressions is often used whilst waiting for slow children (now in their 20’s but still slow!) to hurry up and leave the house. This was a term used to describe the wind when it blew in flaws. A flaw is an unexpected gust of wind. It was said to faff about and thus faffing about is used to describe aimless behaviour.

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December 11, 2018August 21, 2022 by Erica

Nautical Slang in Everyday Use

Nautical slang we use in everyday speech

There are hundreds of expressions and words we use in everyday conversations that have nautical origins. Here are just a few. For more see our related posts: Nautical Sayings and their origins; Nautical Terms and Sailing Terms.

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September 13, 2013August 3, 2023 by Erica

Nautical Sayings and their Origins

So many of our everyday phrases and sayings have originated from the sailing world. Here are some nautical sayings for your interest.

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May 12, 2013October 23, 2021 by Erica

Sailing Terms

Sailing Terms and their Origins.

stormy weather

As a follow on to our Nautical Terms article, we have compiled another list of interesting sailing terms and their origins. It’s not always clear as to the exact origin of the saying, some have several, so as always a pinch of salt is required!

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March 21, 2013September 27, 2023 by Erica

Nautical Terms

We use numerous well-known terms and phrases in everyday conversation but did you know just how many actually originate from nautical terms?

Well here’s a small selection of words and phrases originating from nautical terms – for your interest and amusement! Maybe some should be taken with more than a pinch of salt!

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