Gangway!: Sea Language Comes Ashore

A delight to all who enjoy the American language.
- The Christian Science Monitor Landlubbers use a remarkable number of terms and expressions that originated at sea, from
casting about
and
learning the ropes
to
parting company,

spinning a yarn,
and
going by the board.
This readable dictionary of maritime vernacular offers concise explanations for the seagoing meanings behind
catspaw,

kick the bucket,

kittle o’ fish,

palaver,

three sheets in the wind,
and other curious lingo. Hailed by The Washington Post as
entertaining and informative,
this illustrated reference is a great gift for any sailor or lover of language. It’s also a unique contribution to the study of American English and slang.