NAUTICAL COLLOQUIALISMS.
[To THE EDITOR Or THE "SPECTATOR."9 SIR,—On p. 429 of the Spectator of September 26th appears the word "wasters," applicable to men of small worth. The word, so spelt, is incorrect, having no connexion with the -verb "to waste." It should be " wasters "; and the name was given in the old naval days to the men, usually not the smartest of seamen, whose duties were in the "waist," or amidships. There are a number of expressions in current colloquial speech whose nautical origin is apparently forgotten. For instance, how often does a person who uses the words " It quite took me aback " know that he is comparing himself to a square-rigged ship in difficulties P Others, again, only appear to have a sea origin, though it is difficult to see any other. As an example, take the two expressions " touch and go," meaning a narrow escape, and " hard and fast," for an incisive con. elusion. Both I believe to be instances from nautical expert. ence—the first to signify a slight or momentary grounding and subsequent floating, the second a stranding of the vessel. How many others there may be I cannot say; but I fancy numerous examples could be named—such phrases having lost their original connexion on their absorption in the spoken tongue. It would be as well, therefore, to adhere to the original spelling if possible in cases that can be detected.—I
Previous page
