This is a colloquial term for a boat's bowsprit - the long pole, or 'spar,' extending from the bow used by sailors to tend to sails. If a wave washes over this deck from behind the vessel, it is said to be 'pooped.' As sailors would often gather around the scuttlebutt to chat, the word has also taken on a slang meaning of rumor or gossip.Ī commonly used spelling for 'rowlocks.' These are the spaces cut into the vessel or small clasps raised up from the side of smaller boats that are used to rest oars when the boat is under paddle.Īre there any other nautical words you'd like to add? Tell us in the Sound Off box below.Ī poop deck is a deck at the rear of a ship, generally formed by the roof of a cabin. It was named this as the container was traditionally a small barrel, the so-called 'butt,' which had been 'scuttled' - had a hole made in it - so water could be accessed.
The scuttlebutt is a cask on a ship containing the vessel's drinking water. They are bound to raise a smile and will certainly make you more knowledgeable on the water - who knows, you could even impress friends and colleagues with your mastery of obscure nautical terminology. It is a sport littered with odd words and phrases and MainSail has put together a list of 10 of the weirdest below. Don't be concerned if you don't, as they are both relatively obscure terms used in sailing.
