Salty sailor slang and phrases

Whoever knew that phrases such as turn a blind eye, toe the line, at loggerheads and chock-a-block have origins steeped in seafaring history.

Some expressions can more obviously be recognised as “salty sailor slang”, like even keel, give a wide berth, keeled over, warning shot across the bow, loose canon and three sheets to the wind. But how on earth (or sea) do words such as “groggy” or expressions such as “Dutch courage” relate to the seafaring world? The answers may well surprise you. Check out the stories behind the sailor slang… it’s quite a history lesson!

Looking for the right cover on the water in New Zealand in 2022?

No matter what your plans are on the water in 2022, Mariner Insurance is here to support you. We have been offering Kiwis specialist marine insurance in New Zealand for over a decade with cover for all types of boats and watercraft. Just talk to us about what you’re doing on the water, and we can tailor one of our insurance policies to fit.