Gangway!: Sea Language Comes Ashore - Paperback

by Joanna Carver Colcord (Author), Paul Dickson (Introduction by)

A delight to all who enjoy the American language. -- The Christian Science MonitorLandlubbers 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.

Author Biography

Joanna Carver Colcord (1882-1960) was born in the South Seas, aboard a ship captained by her father. She spent her youth sailing the world's oceans and her adulthood as an executive of various philanthropic organizations.