Definition
Noun
- (AKA sea shower) A method of bathing (usually very short and efficient) to conserve freshwater aboard a ship. In contrast to a “Hollywood Shower.”
Origin
Unknown. Modern times.
Comments
The process goes like this: 1) turn on water, get wet, turn off water. 2) lather up with soap. 3) turn on water, rinse off, turn off water. (Usually takes no longer than 5 minutes and the temperature of the water isn’t a deciding factor.) Believe me, if the water is cold, you’ll learn to be very efficient with this method.
While we all love the long and hot Hollywood Shower (i.e. the kind of shower we’re all used to), the Navy/Sea Shower is actually a very good way to save water because it only uses a few gallons. It’s not limited solely to use aboard ships, but can also be used whenever water needs to be conserved (e.g. camping). I actually started using this method in college because the dorm showers were disgusting and I didn’t want to spend any longer in there than I had to. Of course, showers aboard ships can often be just as gross! Any place that requires dozens of people to share a common space (like a shower) is bound to be filthy. Bring your shower shoes (flip flops)!
References
Crowell, J. (2003, October 31). Naval Terminology, Jargon and Slang FAQ Part 2 – N through Z. Retrieved from http://www.hazegray.org/faq/slang2.htm
Fair Winds & Following Seas 