Five minutes before Taps and Lights out, the announcement is made: "Tattoo, Tattoo, lights out in five minutes". Why Tattoo?
- During the 100 years war in the 17th century British military garrisons in the low countries (Belgum and the Netherlands) would send drummers into towns and villages to play at 21:30 (9:30 PM) informing soldiers that it was time to return to the billits for 22:00 (10:00 PM) curfew. It was called ‘Doe den tap toe’ (Old Dutch for ‘turn off the tap’, or quit selling beer.) Over the years it was shortened to ‘taptoe’, then ‘taptoo’, then later ‘tattoo’. Now the call is 'Tattoo, Tattoo, lights out in 5 minutes"
In some outfits, bugles replaced drums for the TapToe call at night, the bugle call eventually evolved into 'Taps'.
Dog Watch Dog watch is the name given to the 1600 1800 and the 1800 2000 watches aboard ship. The 1800 2000 4 hour watch was originally split to prevent men from always having to stand the same watches daily. As a result, sailors dodge the same daily routine, hence they are dodging the watch, or standing the 'dodge' watch. In its corrupted form, dodge soon became dog and the procedure is referred to as "dogging the watch" or standing the "dog watch." (P.S. It is always FIRST and LAST Dogwatch, never FIRST and SECOND)
Very good, David. This will no doubt be a popular group. I will 'clean up' my lists and add a few from time to time. Hopefully, people will ask about a term or phrase they've heard instead of waiting to see what gets posted. BZ! (ok, BZ stands for Bravo Zulu basically stating "job well done")
Bravo Zulu - The term originates from the Allied Signals Book (ATP 1), which in the aggregate is for official use only. Signals are sent as letters and/or numbers, which have meanings by themselves sometimes or in certain combinations. A single table in ATP 1 is called "governing groups," that is, the entire signal that follows the governing group is to be performed according to the "governor." The letter "B" indicates this table, and the second letter (A through Z) gives more specific information. For example, "BA" might mean "You have permission to . . . (do whatever the rest of the flashing light, flag hoist or radio transmission says) "BZ" happens to be the last item in the governing groups table. It means "well done".
Chit - One tradition carried on in the Navy is the use of the chit. It is a carry over from the days when Hindu traders used slips of paper called citthi for money, so they wouldn't have to carry heavy bags or gold and silver. British sailors shortened the word to chit and applied it to their mess vouchers. Its most outstanding use in the Navy today is for drawing pay and a form used for requesting leave and liberty. But the term is currently applied to almost any piece of paper from a pass to an official letter requesting some privilege.
Guess now they will be called E-chit....darn technology is taking all the fun out of things!
"MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- The Navy announced the implementation of its new Electronic Leave (E-Leave) system in a message July 27.
According to NAVADMIN 252/10 all shore commands will use E-Leave to request, track and manage leave once their Command Leave Administrator (CLA) completes initial setup within the Navy Standard Integrated Personnel System (NSIPS) application.
The Navy requires all PSDs, CSDs and shore commands to be fully using E-Leave by Oct. 31. Sailors, reviewers and approvers can access E-Leave through NSIPS at https://nsips.nmci.navy.mil. "
Thanks for the terms and definitions in this group. I recently started something similar in the about us links on the right "Navy Lingo & Slang". If either of you know of terms or slang that should be added to that link, please pass them along to me or post here in the group.
I think it's a must for the new Navy families to learn to speak their language. So what y'all are doing is very beneficial to the site.
Pea Coat -
Sailors who have to endure pea-soup weather often don their pea coats but the coat's name isn't derived from the weather. The heavy topcoat worn in cold, miserable weather by seafaring men was once tailored from "pilot cloth" — a heavy, course, stout kind of twilled blue cloth with the nap on one side. The cloth was sometimes called P-cloth for the initial letter of "pilot" and the garment made from it was called a p-jacket — later, a pea coat. The term has been used since 1723 to denote coats made from that cloth.
The origin of the word "scuttlebutt," which is nautical parlance for a rumor, comes from a combination of "scuttle" — to make a hole in the ship's hull and thereby causing her to sink —- and "butt" — a cask or hogshead used in the days of wooden ships to hold drinking water. The cask from which the ship's crew took their drinking water — like a water fountain — was the "scuttlebutt". Even in today's Navy a drinking fountain is referred to as such. But, since the crew used to congregate around the "scuttlebutt", that is where the rumors about the ship or voyage would begin. Thus, then and now, rumors are talk from the "scuttlebutt" or just "scuttlebutt".
'Hit the Head' - The origin of hit the head can be traced back to ancient sailing vessels. Sailors who needed to relieve themselves would make their way to a designated area under the deck near the bow or front of the ship. This area was selected for several reasons. First of all, the odors would be dissipated into the air before reaching the main living and work areas. Secondly, the constant spray of ocean water would act as a natural sanitizer and keep the area relatively clean.
Since this area was also close to the carved figurehead on the bow, it became known informally as the head. The term stuck even as shipbuilders incorporated indoor plumbing and other modern conveniences to military ships. Generations of sailors have since adopted the phrase hit the head as a euphemism, and eventually the term became part of popular culture as these men and women assimilated back into society.
Taken Aback
One of the hazards faced in days of sailing ships has been incorporated into English to describe someone who has been jolted by unpleasant news. We say that person has been "taken aback." The person is at a momentary loss; unable to act or even to speak. A danger faced by sailing ships was for a sudden shift in wind to come up (from a sudden squall), blowing the sails back against the masts, putting the ship in grave danger of having the masts break off and rendering the ship totally helpless. The ship was taken aback.
DITCHING. How the word meaning a 'ditch' (trench as an excavation) came to mean 'forced landing by aircraft on water at sea'?
During WWII British and American aircraft returning from missions in Germany had to fly over the English Channel. In the sailors' lingo the word 'channel' has a familiar synonym; 'ditch'. Hence, the English Channel was called the 'Ditch'. Naturally aircraft made emergency landings in the Ditch. They were 'ditched'. Now the word 'ditch' means 'to land planes in emergency on the sea anywhere' (for example, such terms as 'ditching exercise', 'ditching drill', etc.).
Gedunk (or Geedunk) refers to ice cream, candy, potato chips, and other snack foods, as well as to the place on a ship where these items are sold. The first known published usage of the term "gedunk" in a non-naval context is in a 1927 comic strip which refers to "gedunk [ice cream] sundaes." In 1931 it was mentioned in Leatherneck magazine; subsequent early naval usage incluses Robert Joseph Casey's Torpedo Junction: With the Pacific Fleet from Pearl Harbor to Midway (published in 1943); and Robert Olds' Helldiver Squadron: The Story of Carrier Bombing Squadron 17 with Task Force 58 (published in 1944).
Usage of the pejorative term "gedunk sailor" to refer to an inexperience sailor apparently dates to 1941, and is mentioned in Theodore C. Mason's Battleship Sailor, published in 1982.
The origin of the word gedunk is uncertain, though it has been suggested it derives from a Chinese word referring to a place of idleness, or a German word meaning to dunk bread in gravy or coffee.
Ice-maker and refrigerated compartments were first introduced on some U.S. Navy ships in 1893, and an ice-cream maker is reported on board USS Missouri (Battleship No. 11, later BB-11) as early as 1906.
Mayday
The distress call for voice radio, for vessels and people in serious trouble at sea. The term was made official by an international telecommunications conference in 1948, and is an anglicizing of the French "m'aidez," (help me).
Starboard
The term starboard, the nautical term for the right-hand half of the ship, comes from Old English stéorbord and is a combination of stéor, meaning "steer," and bord , meaning "board." On old ships the rudder or steering paddle would be on the right side of the ship. Hence, the term starboard.
Larboard
The counterpart to starboard is larboard, which derives from ladde and bord. American Heritage has ladde as the past participle of the verb "to lead." The left side of the ship would be led by the right, where the rudder was. Most other sources derive it from laden , meaning "to load." The left-hand side being the side put to the dock for loading cargo. The Old English Dictionary Volume 2, says the origin is undetermined.
Well you can probably guess the similarity in sound of the two names caused a great number of communications problems. "Ensign, was that lookout on the mizzen mast reporting a whale off the starboard bow or larboard bow, this wind makes it hard to tell. Lets turn to larboard and see if we can find anything." A different word was required. The term port for the left-hand side of a ship dates to the 16th century, but it was not until the 1840s that both the Royal and US Navies officially abandoned the term larboard in favor of port.
Port
Why port was used for this is not known for certain, but most sources believe it is because the left-hand side of a ship was the side typically put next to the wharf or port. Especially if your rudder was on the starboard side, this would be the case.
Yes, Fleet Replacement Air Crew.....but one son (RSS) told his mom he is going to FRS and that there is no FRAC. I've been researching since my son told us about his choice. I like being able to hold a conversation with my son about his job. What I did find was a conversation on another website that said Aircrew are no longer getting winged after FRS, but have to wait until after FRAC.
So, do some only do FRS or FRAC? Or, do all do both.
Son is AWV if it makes any difference. He'll grad SERE this Fri and then on to Tinker AFB. Curious why I don't find much info about AWV other than the normal description. I've also not run into many parents or spouses of AWV. Thanks for you input!
OVER THE BARREL The most common method of punishment aboard ship was flogging. The unfortunate sailor was tied to a grating, a mast, or over the barrel of a deck cannon.
TO KNOW THE ROPES There were miles of cordage in the rigging of a square rigged ship. The only way to keep track of and to know the function of all of these lines was to know where they were located. It took an experienced seaman to know the ropes.
DRESSING DOWN Thin and worn sails were often treated with oil or wax to renew their effectiveness. This was called "dressing down." An officer or sailor who was reprimanded received a "dressing down."
GROGGY In 1740 British Admiral Vernon (whose nickname was "Old Grogram" for the cloak of grogram which he wore) ordered that the sailors' daily ration of rum be diluted with water. The men called the mixture "grog." A sailor who drank too much grog was "groggy."
AS THE CROW FLIES When lost or unsure of their position in coastal waters, ships would release a caged crow. The crow would fly straight toward the nearest land, thus giving the vessel some sort of navigational fix. The tallest lookout platform on a ship came to be known as the "crow's nest."
David Wells
- During the 100 years war in the 17th century British military garrisons in the low countries (Belgum and the Netherlands) would send drummers into towns and villages to play at 21:30 (9:30 PM) informing soldiers that it was time to return to the billits for 22:00 (10:00 PM) curfew. It was called ‘Doe den tap toe’ (Old Dutch for ‘turn off the tap’, or quit selling beer.) Over the years it was shortened to ‘taptoe’, then ‘taptoo’, then later ‘tattoo’. Now the call is 'Tattoo, Tattoo, lights out in 5 minutes"
In some outfits, bugles replaced drums for the TapToe call at night, the bugle call eventually evolved into 'Taps'.
Jul 16, 2010
David Wells
Jul 16, 2010
Otto Mueller
Jul 16, 2010
David Wells
Jul 21, 2010
David Wells
Jul 29, 2010
Otto Mueller
"MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- The Navy announced the implementation of its new Electronic Leave (E-Leave) system in a message July 27.
According to NAVADMIN 252/10 all shore commands will use E-Leave to request, track and manage leave once their Command Leave Administrator (CLA) completes initial setup within the Navy Standard Integrated Personnel System (NSIPS) application.
The Navy requires all PSDs, CSDs and shore commands to be fully using E-Leave by Oct. 31. Sailors, reviewers and approvers can access E-Leave through NSIPS at https://nsips.nmci.navy.mil. "
Jul 29, 2010
E.G. - ND's Creator/Admin
Thanks for the terms and definitions in this group. I recently started something similar in the about us links on the right "Navy Lingo & Slang". If either of you know of terms or slang that should be added to that link, please pass them along to me or post here in the group.
I think it's a must for the new Navy families to learn to speak their language. So what y'all are doing is very beneficial to the site.
Thanks!
Jul 29, 2010
David Wells
Sailors who have to endure pea-soup weather often don their pea coats but the coat's name isn't derived from the weather. The heavy topcoat worn in cold, miserable weather by seafaring men was once tailored from "pilot cloth" — a heavy, course, stout kind of twilled blue cloth with the nap on one side. The cloth was sometimes called P-cloth for the initial letter of "pilot" and the garment made from it was called a p-jacket — later, a pea coat. The term has been used since 1723 to denote coats made from that cloth.
Jul 31, 2010
David Wells
Jul 31, 2010
David Wells
Since this area was also close to the carved figurehead on the bow, it became known informally as the head. The term stuck even as shipbuilders incorporated indoor plumbing and other modern conveniences to military ships. Generations of sailors have since adopted the phrase hit the head as a euphemism, and eventually the term became part of popular culture as these men and women assimilated back into society.
Jul 31, 2010
David Wells
One of the hazards faced in days of sailing ships has been incorporated into English to describe someone who has been jolted by unpleasant news. We say that person has been "taken aback." The person is at a momentary loss; unable to act or even to speak. A danger faced by sailing ships was for a sudden shift in wind to come up (from a sudden squall), blowing the sails back against the masts, putting the ship in grave danger of having the masts break off and rendering the ship totally helpless. The ship was taken aback.
Jul 31, 2010
David Wells
During WWII British and American aircraft returning from missions in Germany had to fly over the English Channel. In the sailors' lingo the word 'channel' has a familiar synonym; 'ditch'. Hence, the English Channel was called the 'Ditch'. Naturally aircraft made emergency landings in the Ditch. They were 'ditched'. Now the word 'ditch' means 'to land planes in emergency on the sea anywhere' (for example, such terms as 'ditching exercise', 'ditching drill', etc.).
Aug 5, 2010
David Wells
Usage of the pejorative term "gedunk sailor" to refer to an inexperience sailor apparently dates to 1941, and is mentioned in Theodore C. Mason's Battleship Sailor, published in 1982.
The origin of the word gedunk is uncertain, though it has been suggested it derives from a Chinese word referring to a place of idleness, or a German word meaning to dunk bread in gravy or coffee.
Ice-maker and refrigerated compartments were first introduced on some U.S. Navy ships in 1893, and an ice-cream maker is reported on board USS Missouri (Battleship No. 11, later BB-11) as early as 1906.
Aug 5, 2010
David Wells
The distress call for voice radio, for vessels and people in serious trouble at sea. The term was made official by an international telecommunications conference in 1948, and is an anglicizing of the French "m'aidez," (help me).
Aug 5, 2010
David Wells
The term starboard, the nautical term for the right-hand half of the ship, comes from Old English stéorbord and is a combination of stéor, meaning "steer," and bord , meaning "board." On old ships the rudder or steering paddle would be on the right side of the ship. Hence, the term starboard.
Larboard
The counterpart to starboard is larboard, which derives from ladde and bord. American Heritage has ladde as the past participle of the verb "to lead." The left side of the ship would be led by the right, where the rudder was. Most other sources derive it from laden , meaning "to load." The left-hand side being the side put to the dock for loading cargo. The Old English Dictionary Volume 2, says the origin is undetermined.
Well you can probably guess the similarity in sound of the two names caused a great number of communications problems. "Ensign, was that lookout on the mizzen mast reporting a whale off the starboard bow or larboard bow, this wind makes it hard to tell. Lets turn to larboard and see if we can find anything." A different word was required. The term port for the left-hand side of a ship dates to the 16th century, but it was not until the 1840s that both the Royal and US Navies officially abandoned the term larboard in favor of port.
Port
Why port was used for this is not known for certain, but most sources believe it is because the left-hand side of a ship was the side typically put next to the wharf or port. Especially if your rudder was on the starboard side, this would be the case.
Aug 7, 2010
NavyDads Admin (Paul)
Aug 7, 2010
Otto Mueller
Aug 7, 2010
AWV Mom Suzi
Hello to all you seasoned people here.
I was wondering if someone could explain the difference between FRS and FRAC...is there one? A couple of us Moms are trying to figure out some things.
Thanks!
Apr 20, 2011
AWV Mom Suzi
Yes, Fleet Replacement Air Crew.....but one son (RSS) told his mom he is going to FRS and that there is no FRAC. I've been researching since my son told us about his choice. I like being able to hold a conversation with my son about his job. What I did find was a conversation on another website that said Aircrew are no longer getting winged after FRS, but have to wait until after FRAC.
So, do some only do FRS or FRAC? Or, do all do both.
Son is AWV if it makes any difference. He'll grad SERE this Fri and then on to Tinker AFB. Curious why I don't find much info about AWV other than the normal description. I've also not run into many parents or spouses of AWV. Thanks for you input!
Apr 20, 2011
NavyDads Admin (Paul)
HooYah...
Nov 19, 2011
David Wells
OVER THE BARREL
The most common method of punishment aboard ship was flogging. The unfortunate sailor was tied to a grating, a mast, or over the barrel of a deck cannon.
Aug 16, 2014
David Wells
TO KNOW THE ROPES
There were miles of cordage in the rigging of a square rigged ship. The only way to keep track of and to know the function of all of these lines was to know where they were located. It took an experienced seaman to know the ropes.
Aug 16, 2014
David Wells
DRESSING DOWN
Thin and worn sails were often treated with oil or wax to renew their effectiveness. This was called "dressing down." An officer or sailor who was reprimanded received a "dressing down."
Aug 16, 2014
David Wells
FOOTLOOSE
The bottom portion of a sail is called the foot. If it is not secured, it is "footloose" and dances randomly in the wind.
Aug 16, 2014
David Wells
GROGGY
In 1740 British Admiral Vernon (whose nickname was "Old Grogram" for the cloak of grogram which he wore) ordered that the sailors' daily ration of rum be diluted with water. The men called the mixture "grog." A sailor who drank too much grog was "groggy."
Aug 16, 2014
David Wells
AS THE CROW FLIES
When lost or unsure of their position in coastal waters, ships would release a caged crow. The crow would fly straight toward the nearest land, thus giving the vessel some sort of navigational fix. The tallest lookout platform on a ship came to be known as the "crow's nest."
Aug 16, 2014