Phrases Originated In the Navy

11 Everyday Phrases We Didn't Realize Originated In the Navy
Story by Jesse Beckett • 6h

11 Everyday Phrases We Didn’t Realize Originated In the Navy
©Photo Credit: Orbtal Media / Unsplash / Free to Use
Throughout history, sailors have cultivated a distinct vocabulary to describe the aspects of their world, encompassing objects, individuals, activities and locales. Remarkably, a significant portion of this maritime jargon has found its way into the English language, often without the broader populace recognizing its naval heritage.

For those intrigued by the maritime origins of everyday phrases, continue reading!

Ships husband
©Provided by War History Online
When a ship is heading back to port for repairs, a sailor might colloquially mention that the vessel is returning to her "husband." In this context, "husband" denotes the person in charge of the shipyard who's responsible for restoring the ship to operational condition.

In through the hawsepipe
©Provided by War History Online
"In through the hawsepipe" is a naval colloquialism employed by sailors who achieve officer status through unconventional pathways, symbolizing their journey through the hierarchical ranks of a ship.

In this particular context, it signifies commencing at the lowest rung. The hawsepipe - or hawsehole - refers to the opening in the ship's bow through which the anchor cable is threaded.

Let the cat out of the bag
©Provided by War History Online
"Letting the cat out of the bag" describes the punishment of whipping in the Navy.

The term "cat" points to the cat o' nine tails, a formidable whip with multiple tails that's typically kept within a cloth bag. Sailors were aware that this punishment was imminent when the superior administering the discipline extracted the whip from its bag.