Sailor Speak of the Week – Gob

Definition

Noun (slang)

• A lower-rated enlisted man.

Origin

Early 20th century. Of unknown derivation.

Comments

Possibly a reference for young enlisted sailors to gobble their chow.

References

King, D., Hattendorf, J.B, & Estes, J.W. (1997). A Sea of Words: A Lexicon and Companion for Patrick O’Brian’s Seafaring Tales (2nd Ed.). Owl Books.

Rogers, J.G. (1985). Origins of Sea Terms. Mystic Seaport.