Jackspeak of the Royal Canadian Navy: A Glossary of Canadian Naval Terminology (2015 Edition) - Softcover

Nelson, Mark R.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0973282533 ISBN 13: 9780973282535

Publisher: Mark Nelson, 2014

Synopsis

On a sailor's first day in the Navy, they are plunged into a strange world where the walls are bulkheads and the floors are decks. Initially, the jargon can be confusing to newcomers, especially when it's noticed that there is more than one term for a given situation. For example, a lazy person can be called a "skiver", "skate" or be described as "swinging the lead". A sailor might sleep in a "pit", "cart" or "rack", but only occasionally in a bunk.

As well, there are nuances that must be learned. You might call a shipmate a "winger" or refer to them as a fellow "hairy bag", but you would never call their "party" a "nice piece of trim" or try to "cut their grass". That would certainly lead to a "parting of brass rags".

In some cases, the term has a variety of meanings, such as "Mess", which can carry no less than three different meanings in a Canadian warship. Other terms are far more colourful. Up top on the bridge, you'll find "Nelson's Balls"; down in the mess you will find "Nelson's Blood". In the "galley", a "stoker" might begin to "moan and drip" when they see "Newfie Steak" on the menu for the second time in a week.

The Canadian Navy's unique language can be traced back to its Royal Navy roots. In fact, commonly used words such as "pusser", and nicknames such as "Nobby" are directly derived from British Navy forefathers. Still, many other terms have been formed directly from use in the Canadian Navy such as "CDF" and "Navy Gravy".

Hopefully, you haven't grown weary of all this, because there's much more! What's the difference between "duff" and "no duff". What about "no joy", "no names, no pack drill", "no room to swing a cat" and "No! No!"?

It's all explained inside. "Pull up a bollard" and enjoy the colourful language of the RCN.

About this title

About the Author

Mark Nelson developed a love for the language and lifestyle of the Canadian Navy over his 26-year naval career. After retiring as a Chief Petty Officer 2nd Class, he now works as the systems and services coordinator at the Red River College Library in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

A & A
An abbreviation for alterations and additions. It refers to changes to the structure, rigging and equipment of a warship.
A.J. Squared-Away
A USN term that refers to the mythical sailor who is perpetually well-organized.
AAW
An acronym for Anti-Air Warfare.
Aback
1. Creating a braking effect by turning a sailing ship so the wind hits the forward face of the sail. When done accidentally, the same effect is extremely detrimental to the forward momentum of the vessel.
2. This term is used when a sailor is suddenly confused or surprised. E.g. “Bloggins was all aback when he saw he was suddenly assigned to the duty watch.”
Abaft
The correct term to use when indicating a direction toward the stern. e.g. “Bloggins placed the heaving lines abaft of the gun.” The phrase "aft of" is not correct.
Abaft the Beam
When describing an object away from the ship, this term is used to say the direction is further aft than the beam; i.e. a relative bearing greater than 90 degrees from the bow. e.g. "The man in the water lies on the starboard side, just abaft the beam.”
ABC
The acronym once used for "Atomic, Biological, Chemical". It was eventually replaced by "NBC" (Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical).
Abeam
Referring to a relative bearing at right angles to the centerline of the ship's keel.
Able Seaman
A junior rank in the navy, equivalent to the rank of Private in the Army or Air Force. Derived from the term "Able Bodied Seaman", the rank insignia is a single chevron.
About
A term used to describe the act of changing the course of a sailboat by tacking. The words “ready about” or “boutship” are used to prepare the hands for the tacking manoeuvre.
Above Board
Not hiding anything. A transparent state where everything is in the open. This term was originally used to describe the ship’s belongings that were on or above the main deck, and in plain view.

About this edition

• Publisher: Mark Nelson
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 0973282533
• ISBN 13: 9780973282535
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 228