19 Terms Only Sailors Will Understand

cool. i actually knew one or two of those phrases

Roach coach is on the approach. Cuisine machine is on the scene. "Hot racking" = when two people share a rack. "The Pit" - another term for a rack. "Red Lead" & "Yellow Death" = two dangerous primer paints. Also means ketchup and mustard. "Zee burger" = greasy hamburger at lunch. Puts you to sleep in less than an hour. "Dead Cow" = empty milk carton. "Billet" = assignment of duties. "Bug Juice" = sugary mixed flavored drinks in the galley. Never drink red bug juice in heavy seas. Looks like you puke your guts out when you get sea sick. "Ralph" = normal sea sickness. "Huey" = heavy sea sickness. "Alice" = nothing left to Ralph. "Fid" = conic tool to splice line, or to insert in the never regions. "Make Way" = command to clear passageway for an officer. "Gangway" more serious command to clear passageway, or the device to embark/disembark vessel. "Eight O'clock Reports" = evening department status report afloat. Only time the 24hr time system is not used. "Ditty Bag" = small bag to hold everyday personal items. "Lucky Bag" = lost and found collection. "Gear Locker" = storage place for uncommonly used clothing.

I learned most of these as a Sea Scout. As a topmast sailor on square riggers I could tell you the history of many of the traditional ones. A couple I picked up from visiting Navy ships.