Three Sheets to the Wind: The Nautical Origins of Everyday Expressions
Product ID: 100364680
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The origins of a remarkable number of everyday words and phrases are anchored in our seafaring past. Three Sheets to the Wind: The Nautical Origins of Everyday Expressions is an entertaining compilation revealing the maritime roots of common English expressions. The original “slush fund” was the fatty scraps from boiled meat that the ship’s cook secretly stashed away to sell at port to candle makers. The man who originally “turned a blind eye” was Admiral Nelson. In one of Naval history’s most famous acts of insubordination, Nelson, in the heat of battle, raised his telescope to his blind eye and announced he could not see the signal flag commanding him to break off action. The perfect companion for etymology lovers, factophiles, ocean dreamers, and the conversationally curious, Three Sheets to the Wind features 200 words and expressions that are nautically inspired. Alphabetically organized (from A to Sea) readers can also enjoy 100 original illustrations as well as relevant excerpts from the great novels of Melville, Forester, O’Brian, and others. These passages illustrate how such literary giants reached for these expressions in their classic masterpieces. Our everyday speech is peppered with language used by sailors when someone says they are “pooped” because they stayed to the “bitter end” of “happy hour”.
| Dimensions | 5.5 x 0.6 x 8.5 inches |
| Edition | Illustrated |
| Isbn 10 | 1493042270 |
| Isbn 13 | 978-1493042272 |
| Item Weight | 2.31 pounds |
| Language | English |
| Print Length | 192 pages |
| Publication Date | May 1, 2019 |
| Publisher | Lyons Press |
User
Nautical words in the English language
This is a great book and really enjoyable Reed. Especially, if you like nautical themed concepts and wonder where they originated from. This book will tell you.
User
Wonderful book!
This is the best book on sailing terms I've ever read. It is chock-full of witty references, literary quotes, and original illustrations. I've learned so much! Who knew the original "filibusters" were the pirates of the Caribbean - obstructing and delaying ship passages? It's not only fun and informative to read, it is beautifully crafted. I love the indigo blue cover! This marvelous little book is so good-looking it makes a great gift. It is a must for all sailors and those who love the sea, and for all who love words. Highly recommend!
User
Shipboard and Nautical Roots of Common Terms and Expressions
The book “Three Sheets to the Wind” by Cynthia Barrett is a compilation of terms and expressions in English that are common today and that have their origins in the everyday language used aboard ship.The origins, or roots, were a part of the daily language of sailors at sea, especially during the time when travel by sea was aboard sailing ships---not ships powered by boilers with steam or by motors with fuel.The author presents 180-190 terms and expressions. Some are explained very well, while others need further elaboration for clarity.More than half of the terms and expressions are accompanied by nautical cartoons. Most of the cartoons are humorous and/or clever. Some are more entertaining than illustrative of the relevant term or expression.The book is quite appropriate for high school classes in English by providing teens with an enjoyable way of learning why we use today certain terms and expressions that have come from the days of sail.
User
Sure to put the wind back in your sails!
On the island of Manhattoes, “Right and left the streets take you waterward” says Ishmael in the opening chapter of Moby Dick, and in Cynthia Barrett’s fantastic book Three Sheets to the Wind, it almost feels like all our favorite expressions lead the same way. Some examples—“All Hands on Deck” or “Don’t Give Up the Ship”—have easily recognizable nautical links, but again and again as I made my way through the delightful text I found myself walloped with surprise at the maritime imprint behind so many expressions I've used for years without any awareness of their naval history. It’s hard to fathom the depth of our etymological debt to the sea until you see it in print. Loved the mini-history lessons, Old French word origins, quotes from Homer, Zora Neale Hurston and so many others. The whimsical illustrations never missed the mark. When I find myself feeling blue, under the weather, adrift or at loose ends, I’ll be so glad to have this lovely collection to tide me over.
User
Great expression book!
Sons loves this book!
User
Hoping for more
If you have some knowledge of nautical language origins, you may be disappointed in the depth of information in this book. I found that I already knew most of the phrases and descriptions that the author presented. I did do the "Look Inside" review on the book, but I was hoping for more than what i received. Your mileage may vary. Happy reading...
User
Great book for your sailor!
Great fun and chock full of laughs and surprises!
User
Three Sheets to the Wind. Review.
Great info. Fun to read. Retired MM Captain. I learned something new. Everyone will enjoy. Must read even if you’re a landlubber. Capt V. Lotorto
User
Knowledge
You discover where many everyday sayings originate from
User
INTERESTING BOOK
Gave this book to my son, who is a keen sailor and he thoroughly enjoyed reading it
User
It's Ok .......but
This is quite a nice quality book although the contents and derivations are somewhat spurious. Nevertheless quite fun to read.
User
Amusing read
found this to be an amusing read and there was a couple that i'd never heard off before
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