Definition Verb To direct the movements of a vessel underway. Origin Probably earlier than the 17th century. From Old French, conduire, meaning to conduct. Earlier
Category: Sailor Speak of the Week
Learn the lingo of the salty sailor, pirate, and mariner.
Sailor Speak of the Week – Binnacle List
Definition Noun The vessel’s sick list. Origin Probably earlier than the 18th century. Comments A list of crew members that are sick (or injured) and
Sailor Speak of the Week – Amidships
Definition Noun The center or central portion of a vessel. Referring to on the centerline of a vessel. Origin Probably earlier than the 17th century.
Sailor Speak of the Week – Zero Dark Thirty
Definition Noun (slang) AKA Oh Dark Thirty. Very late at night or very early in the morning (usually before dawn). Origin Unknown. Modern times. Comments
Sailor Speak of the Week – Yaw
Definition Verb To swing off course due to difficult sea conditions or steering troubles. Origin Probably earlier than the 18th century. Possibly from Icelandic, jaga,
Sailor Speak of the Week – Way
Definition Noun When a vessel is moving or in motion over the bottom. Usually back or forth. Origin Probably earlier than the 16th century. The
