Sailor Speak of the Week – Half Seas Over

Definition

Adjective

1. Past the point of no return.
2. Drunk

Origin

First definition: Mid-16th century. Second definition: Early 18th century.

Comments

Regarding the first definition, it refers to a ship stranded on a reef or rocks with seas breaking over her deck. In this condition, nothing can be done to save the ship.

References

Kemp, P. (1994). The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea. Oxford University Press.

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