Sea Words. Water, Wind and Waves a Glossary of Nautical Words and Phrases by Michael W Williams

Sea Words. Water, Wind and Waves a Glossary of Nautical Words and Phrases by Michael W Williams

Regular price
Checking stock...
Regular price
Checking stock...
Proud to be B-Corp

Our business meets the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose. In short, we care about people and the planet.

The feel-good place to buy books
  • Free delivery in Australia
  • Supporting authors with AuthorSHARE
  • 100% recyclable packaging
  • Proud to be a B Corp – A Business for good

Sea Words. Water, Wind and Waves a Glossary of Nautical Words and Phrases by Michael W Williams

Sea-words, from sea power to word power; the Royal Navy's contribution to English words, phrases, aphorisms, and sayings now in everyday use. Charles I inaugurated the Royal Navy in the 17th century and as such it policed the oceans protecting Britain's Empire and whilst doing so the Navy garnered many new and unusual expressions. Phrases such as 'under the weather, 'nip and tuck', 'all above board' and 'banyan', owe their origins to the Navy. Typical of the English language, many of these modern idioms are corruptions of foreign words, misheard, misunderstood or misquoted. This provides us with a rich if not accurate reflection of the Royal Navy's contact with other nationals, mainly Dutch, French, Spanish, Indian, American and not a little skewed Latin. Sea-words may help settle a quiz argument or help a crossword solver trace the origin of an unusual English phrase - but it will fuel just as many debates as our knowledge of life at sea fades from our collective memory to become vague recollections by old seafarers, old salts. Also by this author, A Brief History of the Royal Navy - Its People, Places and Pets. The London Press, London, ISBN 1905006063.
SKU Unavailable
ISBN 13 9781905006199
ISBN 10 1905006195
Title Sea Words. Water, Wind and Waves a Glossary of Nautical Words and Phrases
Author Michael W Williams
Condition Unavailable
Binding Type Paperback
Publisher The London Press
Year published 2006-03-12
Number of pages 156
Cover note Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.