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On 10 Nov 2004 01:04:47 GMT, (Gould 0738) wrote:

Here's an interesting trivia.

All things Jack 'round and bout a boat, facts extracted from the book "From
Ship to Shore" by Peter D. Jeans

"Jack" is a term originally used to describe the seamen who worked the masts
and sails of square-rigged ships, to distinguish them from the ship's boys.
Eventually the term came to refer to all British naval seamen, as in "every man
jack of them."

Apparently the Aussies have a saying about a "jack system", which is the blind
pursuit of self interest above all. There's a colloquial saying that appears to
refer to a rescue of folks floundering in a sea- "Pull up the ladder, Jack, I'm
aboard." or sometimes, "Up you, Jack, I'm OK."

"Jack Tar" is a nickname for sailors that derives from the foul weather gear
worn centuries ago- tarred canvas. The original use of tarred canvas,
(tarpaulin), was for clothing and only after 1750 was tarred canvas commonly
used for other purposes. There is a possibility the name originated from the
fact that seamen used to wear pigtails, and they dipped the pigtails in tar to
keep the hairdo manageable.

"Jackknife" is *not* a nautical word, even though the knives were often carried
by sailors. Ther term is an American usage, derived from the Scottish word
"jockteleg" meaning a large clasp kinfe. Our many friends who have recently
become so anti-French will want to throw out all their jackknives, as it seems
the Scottish word derived from the name of the Frech cutlar who invented this
type of knife........Jacques de Liege. :-)

*********

(One has to wonder if a more vulgar word incorporating the term "jack" derived
from certain types of biological release sought by men at sea for extended
periods of time. Hmm......)

You know, I always enjoy learning where some of the old sayings come from.
This is a classic.

Thanks!

Regards
John S

I would rather be boating!

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