200+ Nautical Terms - Common and Funny Phrases 🚢 ⚓

From hilarious sailor slang to must-know nautical terms, this guide spills the tea on 200+ weird and wonderful phrases from life at sea. Warning: reading this article might make you talk like a salty sea dog!

Let’s get started.

Understanding Maritime Communication

The development of nautical terminology and yachting terms stems from the need for precise, unambiguous communication at sea.

In an environment where miscommunication can lead to disaster, maritime terms ensure clarity across different languages, weather conditions, and emergency situations.

Nautical Terms and Phrases for Navigation

Port: Left side of vessel facing forward
Starboard: Right side of vessel facing forward
Fore: Toward the bow
Aft: Toward the stern
Abaft: Further aft than another object
Abeam: At right angles to the ship’s length
Athwartships: Across the ship
Windward: Toward the wind
Leeward: Away from the wind
Quarter: Area between beam and stern
Hard a-port: Turn the wheel fully to port
Steady as she goes: Maintain current course
Full and by: Sailing close to the wind
Make it so: Execute the order
Bear away: Turn away from the wind
Lay aloft: Climb the rigging
Sound: Measure water depth
Keep her full: Keep sails from luffing
Mind your helm: Pay attention to steering
Stand on: Maintain course and speed

Funny Nautical Terms

Baggywrinkle: A soft covering for standing rigging that prevents sail chafing
Scuttlebutt: Originally a drinking water cask, now meaning gossip or rumors
Lubber: An inexperienced sailor or clumsy seaman
Ahoo: A state of disarray or being askew
Splice the mainbrace: Originally a difficult repair job, now meaning to issue a drink
Fiddlers Green: A sailor’s paradise where there’s perpetual music and dancing
Kissing the gunner’s daughter: Historical naval punishment of being bent over a cannon
Shake a leg: Originally called to sailors sharing hammocks with women in port
Booby hatch: A sliding hatch or cover, also referring to mental institutions
Ducking pudding: A method of punishment involving dragging under the keel

Old Nautical Terms

Above board: On or above the deck, in plain view
Between wind and water: The vulnerable part of a ship’s hull
Cat o’ nine tails: Multi-tailed whip used for punishment
Daughter boat: The boating term for a smaller support boat carried aboard a larger vessel.
Devil to pay: Sealing the ship’s seams with hot pitch
First rate: Largest and most powerful warships
Hand over fist: Climbing quickly up a rope
Jury rig: Temporary repair
Knows the ropes: Understands ship’s rigging
Log book: Ship’s speed record, now any official record
Press gang: Forcibly recruiting sailors
Square meal: Full ration served on square plates
Toe the line: Stand at attention for inspection
Watch and watch: Alternating shifts
Work up the barrel: Punishment of running up and down the rigging
Yellow Jack: Quarantine flag
Bitter end: Last part of the anchor cable
Clean bill of health: Document certifying no disease aboard
Devil seam: Difficult-to-reach seam in the deck
Grog: Watered-down rum ration

Nautical Terms Slang

Gedunk: Ship’s store or snack bar
Ghosting: Moving with minimal wind
Jack: Common sailor
Salty: Experienced sailor
Skivvy: Underwear or light duties
Snipe: Engineering rating
Twidget: Electronics technician
Bone: Ship’s maximum speed
Channel fever: Anticipation of arriving in port
Fish: New submarine crew member

Maritime Terms for Ship Structure and Equipment

Hull and Deck Components

Beam: Width of a ship
Bulkhead: Internal dividing wall
Companionway: Stairs between decks
Fathom: Unit of depth (6 feet)
Forecastle: Forward upper deck
Gunwale: Upper edge of ship’s side
Lazarette: Storage space in stern
Poop deck: Highest deck aft
Scupper: Drain hole in deck
Thwart: Seat for a rower

Rigging and Sail Terms

Bolt rope: Edge rope of sail
Buntline: Rope to haul up sail
Downhaul: Line to pull down sail
Halyard: Rope to raise sail
Lanyard: Short rope for securing
Leech: Vertical edge of sail
Luff: Forward edge of sail
Ratline: Rope ladder steps
Sheet: Line controlling sail
Shroud: Standing rigging support

Weather Conditions

Beaufort Scale: Wind force measure
Cat’s paw: Light air on water
Cross sea: Multiple wave patterns
Doldrums: No wind region
Following sea: Waves from astern
Ground swell: Deep ocean waves
Horse latitudes: Calm subtropical regions
Sea state: Wave condition measure
Fetch: Distance wind travels over water
Wind shadow: Sheltered area

Batten down: Secure for storm
Heave to: Stop in heavy weather
Make fast: Secure equipment
Reef: Reduce sail area
Strike: Lower sails or equipment

Emergency Procedures and Safety Terms

Emergency Commands

Abandon ship: Order to leave vessel
All hands on deck: Everyone come up
General quarters: Battle stations
Man overboard: Person in water
Mayday: Distress call
Pan-pan: Urgency call
Securite: Safety message
SOS: Distress signal
Stand by: Prepare for action
Emergency stations: Crisis positions

Safety Equipment

Drogue: Sea anchor
EPIRB: Emergency beacon
Jacob’s ladder: Rope ladder
Life ring: Flotation device
PFD: Personal flotation device

Modern Navigation Technology Terms

AIS: Automatic identification system
ECDIS: Electronic chart display
GPS: Global positioning system
Radar: Radio detection and ranging
VHF: Very high frequency radio
Waypoint: Navigation reference point
Sonar: Sound navigation ranging
DSC: Digital selective calling
Echo sounder: Depth measurement
GMDSS: Global maritime distress system
Almanac: Celestial navigation guide
Azimuth: Angular measurement
Chronometer: Precise timekeeper
Dividers: Distance measurement tool
Pelorus: Bearing instrument

International Maritime Signal Terms

Signal Flags

Alpha: Diver below
Bravo: Dangerous cargo
Charlie: Affirmative
Delta: Keep clear
Echo: Altering course starboard
Foxtrot: Disabled
Golf: Need pilot
Hotel: Pilot on board
India: Altering course port
Juliet: On fire

Sound Signals

One blast: Altering starboard
Two blasts: Altering port
Three blasts: Operating astern
Five blasts: Danger signal
Prolonged blast: Warning signal

Modern Applications of Nautical Terms

In Business

All hands on deck: Everyone help
Bail out: Rescue from difficulty
Clear sailing: No obstacles
Even keel: Stable situation
Launch: Start new venture
Leading lights: Industry leaders
Pull your weight: Do your share
Rock the boat: Cause trouble
Take the helm: Assume leadership
Weather the storm: Survive difficulty

In Common Speech

Aloof: From weather gage position
By and large: Sailing terms combined
Clean slate: Clear watch record
Taken aback: Surprise from backward wind
Three sheets to the wind: Unsteady

Regional Nautical Terms

Mediterranean Terms

Mistral: Strong northwestern wind
Bora: Strong northeastern wind
Scirocco: Warm southern wind
Gregale: Strong northeast Mediterranean wind
Libeccio: Strong southwest wind

British Maritime Slang

Banyan: Royal Navy term for a beach party
Cardiff news: Unsubstantiated rumor
Dhobi: Laundry or washing
Jimmy: First lieutenant
Uckers: Ludo board game variant

Military Naval Terms

Combat Operations

Action stations: Battle readiness
Beat to quarters: Prepare for battle
Crossed the T: Tactical advantage position
Rake: Fire along length of vessel
Rolling broadside: Continuous cannon fire

Naval Ranks and Positions

Able Seaman: Qualified deck crew
Bosun: Deck crew supervisor
Coxswain: Ship handler
Master: Commercial ship captain
Yeoman: Communications specialist

Merchant Marine Terminology

Cargo Operations

Ballast: Weight for stability
Draft marks: Hull depth indicators
Freeboard: Hull above waterline
Manifest: Cargo documentation
Ullage: Empty space in tank

Commercial Shipping Terms

Demurrage: Delay penalty
Laycan: Loading time window
Plimsoll line: Load line marking
Stevedore: Cargo handler
Supercargo: Cargo supervisor

Traditional Sailing Ship Architecture

Specialized Ship Types

Barquentine: Three-masted vessel
Clipper: Fast sailing ship
Schooner: Fore-and-aft rigged vessel
Snow: Brig variant
Xebec: Mediterranean vessel

Traditional Ship Construction

Carvel: Hull planking method
Clinker: Overlapping planking
Keelson: Internal keel support
Stem: Forward hull timber
Transom: Flat stern section

Maritime Law and Insurance Terms

Legal Terminology

Admiralty law: Maritime regulations
Average: Cargo damage share
Barratry: Crew fraud
Maritime lien: Ship-related debt
Salvage: Recovery compensation

Insurance Terms

Constructive total loss: Beyond repair
General average: Shared loss
Particular average: Individual loss
Seaworthiness: Fitness for voyage
Sue and labor: Loss prevention

Maritime Superstitions and Traditions

Traditional Beliefs

Crossed anchors: Good luck symbol
Dolphins: Lucky omen
Friday sailing: Bad luck
Green paint: Unlucky color
Whistling: Summons storms

Ceremonial Terms

Crossing the line: Equator ceremony
Mast stepping: Coin placement
Ship’s blessing: Launch ceremony
Paying respects: Saluting custom
Breaking flags: First hoisting

FAQs About Maritime Terms

Why are nautical speeds measured in knots?

Knots derive from the old method of measuring ship speed using a log line with knots tied at regular intervals. This standardized measurement remains relevant for maritime and aviation use.

What’s the difference between port and larboard?

Larboard was the original term for the left side of a ship but was replaced by port to avoid confusion with starboard, especially in noisy conditions.

Why do bells mark time on ships?

The ship’s bell system developed as a practical way to mark watch changes and communicate time throughout the vessel, even in poor visibility.

Why are ships referred to as “she”?

This tradition dates back to ancient times when ships were dedicated to goddesses and carried female figurehead carvings. The practice continues in many English-speaking countries.

Final Thoughts: Steady as She Goes

The unique vocabulary of nautical lingo continues to influence modern language and culture, demonstrating the historical significance of maritime trade and naval operations in human civilization.

Understanding these terms not only provides insight into maritime history but also enhances appreciation for the precision and tradition in maritime operations.

Crossed anchors, fair winds and following seas!

200+ Nautical Terms – Common and Funny Phrases