---
product_id: 100364680
title: "Three Sheets to the Wind: The Nautical Origins of Everyday Expressions"
brand: "cynthia barrett"
price: "95.75 DT"
currency: TND
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 12
url: https://www.desertcart.tn/products/100364680-three-sheets-to-the-wind-the-nautical-origins-of-everyday
store_origin: TN
region: Tunisia
---

# Three Sheets to the Wind: The Nautical Origins of Everyday Expressions

**Brand:** cynthia barrett
**Price:** 95.75 DT
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** Three Sheets to the Wind: The Nautical Origins of Everyday Expressions by cynthia barrett
- **How much does it cost?** 95.75 DT with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.tn](https://www.desertcart.tn/products/100364680-three-sheets-to-the-wind-the-nautical-origins-of-everyday)

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## Description

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”.

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| 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 |

## Images

![Three Sheets to the Wind: The Nautical Origins of Everyday Expressions - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71crR3kBK2L.jpg)

## Available Options

This product comes in different **Format** options.

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Nautical words in the English language
*by  on Reviewed in the United States June 27, 2026*

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.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Wonderful book!
*by  on Reviewed in the United States May 1, 2019*

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!

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Shipboard and Nautical Roots of Common Terms and Expressions
*by  on Reviewed in the United States August 31, 2025*

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.

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*Product available on Desertcart Tunisia*
*Store origin: TN*
*Last updated: 2026-08-29*