Definition

Noun

  • Objects that float from a sunken vessel. (Contrast with Jetsam)

Origin

17th century Anglo-French word, floteson, derived from floter, to float. Also Old English, flotian.

Comments

An easy way to remember the difference between flotsam and jetsam is that jetsam is intentionally thrown overboard, as in, jettisoned. Whereas, flotsam, floats to the surface when the vessel sinks.

References

Crowell, J. (2003, October 31). Naval Terminology, Jargon and Slang FAQ Part 1 – A through M. Retrieved from http://www.hazegray.org/faq/slang1.htm

Flotsam. (2020). In Dictionary.com. Retrieved from https://www.dictionary.com/browse/flotsam?s=t.

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