Old Movies can Teach Ya' Stuff

Cam and I are trying to see a lot of the classics of the silver screen that neither one of us have seen. We recently watched Bridge on the River Kwai and last night we watched Mutiny on the Bounty.

We both learned some great sea-faring words you may want to know if you are ever under the command of a sadistic Captain suffering from short-man syndrome.

Yard-Arm: either end of the yard of a square-rigged ship

Cat o' nine tails: a type of multi-tailed whipping device that originated as an implement for severe physical punishment, notably in the British Royal Navy.

Breadfruit: Breadfruit is one of the highest-yielding food plants, with a single tree producing up to 200 or more fruits per season. In the South Pacific, the trees yield 50 to 150 fruits per year. Breadfruit is one of the highest-yielding food plants, with a single tree producing up to 200 or more fruits per season. In the South Pacific, the trees yield 50 to 150 fruits per year.

Aye, aye: Reply to an order or command to indicate that it, firstly, is heard; and, secondly, is understood and will be carried out.

Bilge: The bilge is the compartment at the bottom of the hull of a ship or boat where water collects so that it may be pumped out of the vessel at a later time.

Hammock: Canvas sheets, slung from the deckhead in messdecks, in which seamen slept. "Lash up and stow" a piped command to tie up hammocks and stow them (typically) in racks inboard of the ship's side to protect crew from splinters from shot and provide a ready means of preventing flooding caused by damage.

Keel-Haul: was a severe form of corporal punishment meted out to sailors at sea. The sailor was tied to a rope that looped beneath the vessel, thrown overboard on one side of the ship, and dragged under the ship's keel to the other side. As the hull was often covered in barnacles and other marine growth, this could result in lacerations and other injuries. This generally happened if the offender was pulled quickly. If pulled slowly, his weight might lower him sufficiently to miss the barnacles but might result in his drowning. If the rope snapped, the Captain could conclude that the punishment was not done properly and order it carried out again.

Mainmast (or Main): The tallest mast on a ship.

Midshipman:– A non-commissioned officer below the rank of Lieutenant. Usually regarded as being "in training" to some degree. Also known as 'Snotty'. 'The lowest form of animal life in the Royal Navy' where he has authority over and responsibility for more junior ranks, yet, at the same time, relying on their experience and learning his trade from them.

Running the rigging: used to manipulate sails, spars, etc. in order to control the movement of the ship. Cf. standing rigging.

We also learned that Clark Gable and George Clooney are probably long-long relatives.