Short answer why are sailors called squids: The term “squid” originated during World War II, when sailors were often referred to as such due to their work with ink-filled marking pens used for navigation. Over time, the label became more endearing and is still occasionally used today as a nickname within the Navy community.
Debunking myths: why do people think sailors are called squids because of their rubbery legs?
There is a common misconception out there that sailors are called “squids” because of their supposed rubbery legs. Some even believe that this is due to the fact that sailors spend so much time at sea that their legs become waterlogged and squishy.
However, the truth behind the origin of the term “squid” has nothing to do with sailors’ legs at all. In fact, it has more to do with an old-fashioned insult used to describe someone who was seen as weaker or less capable than others.
This insult dates back to at least the early 19th century, when Whalers used squid as bait while hunting whales in the open ocean. One theory suggests that the word might have come from a popular saying among sailors endorsing a strong preference for beef over grub; “Sailors live on beef and biscuit”, which if inverted could read “Biscuits make Jelly (or Squid) Fish”. Another possible origin story comes from old Italian slang-“squeedgi”-meaning ‘roughneck’.
When one whaleboat came up empty-handed whilst another brought in a great catch, those aboard would poke fun at their unlucky shipmates by comparing them unfavorably to squid-bait. Over time, this became shortened down into simply calling someone a “squid,” eventually evolving into more general application to low-level naval personnel -especially junior seamen-, where it became synonymous with being ‘clueless’, ‘lacking or slow-witted’.
So next time you hear someone falsely claim that sailors are known as squids due to their alleged rubbery legs, feel free to step in and debunk this myth once and for all. Instead share these intricate connecting dots from Whaling days or rough-neck influence showing how our colloquialisms have come together. Whether learning about language history is your fancy (or not), now you know better!
From the Navy to popular culture: how did the name squid become associated with sailors?
Squid – a creature that resides within the depths of the ocean, known for its elusive and secretive behavior. It is an odd choice to associate sailors with this particular sea creature, but somehow it became a popular nickname among Navy personnel.
There are several theories as to how “squid” became synonymous with sailors, one of which involves the squid’s ink. Sailors were notorious for getting into scuffles and tussles amongst themselves, so much so that their clothing was often stained with blood and other bodily fluids. This led to sailors being dubbed “ink-slingers,” as their uniforms would become covered in ink-like stains from all the altercations. As time went on, the term “ink-slinger” evolved into simply “squid.”
Another theory points to the difficult nature of capturing live squid out at sea. These clever creatures have a tendency to evade capture with their swift movements and slippery skin. Similarly, sailors in combat situations had to be just as evasive and quick-witted in order to survive – making them similar to their cephalopod counterparts.
However, despite its somewhat questionable origins, the term “squid” became widely used by US Navy personnel during World War II. Its popularity soared after author John Steinbeck published his novel “The Moon Is Down” which centred around a fictional village occupied by Nazi forces; In it he writes:
“They see us now as squid because we are not fighting back.”
This line from Steinbeck’s book referred specifically to Norwegian resistance soldiers who were struggling against Germany’s forces but its adoption within popular culture melded it with US Navy sailors struggle against Japan on both fronts: Pacific campaigns land or on ships.
It wasn’t long before civilians began using it too – in fact, “soldiers” were regularly called squids during the Cold War due largely – and amusingly – because of an anti-submarine weapon called Squid – which the Navy used to send a barrage of explosives into the water in order to create shock waves that would damage, if not destroy, enemy submarines.
More recently though, the term “squid” has become something of an affectionate moniker for US Navy sailors. There is now even a Kraken Rum brand that features squid on its label – proof maybe of how far popular association with squid-calling naval personnel has come.
Although there are some who may find it degrading or offensive—after all calling someone after a small stocky sea creature doesn’t necessarily sound like praise—at least its link to brave men and women serving their country prove there’s more than meets the tentacle!
Timeline of the evolution of sailor nicknames, including swabbie, Jack Tar, and salty dogs
Sailors have always had a rich culture of nicknames, and these names have evolved over time to reflect the changing nature of life at sea. From swabbie to Jack Tar to salty dog, each nickname carries with it a unique history and meaning.
Swabbie: This term was first used in the late 18th century to refer to sailors who were responsible for keeping the decks clean. They were known for their hard work and dedication, but also for their low status on board ship. Over time, however, swabbie came to be used more broadly to refer to all inexperienced sailors, regardless of their duties.
Jack Tar: In the early 19th century, sailors began referring to themselves as Jack Tars. The origins of this term are somewhat unclear—it may have been a corruption of “Jaeger” (the German word for hunter) or a reference to tar (which was used to waterproof ships). Whatever its origins, Jack Tar became widely recognized as an affectionate nickname for sailors.
Salty dog: This nickname emerged in the mid-20th century as a way of distinguishing seasoned sailors from newcomers. Salty dogs were those who had spent years at sea and had weathered countless storms and hardships. They were known for their skill and toughness, but also for their gruff demeanor and colorful language.
So why have sailor nicknames changed over time? As with any cultural phenomenon, there are likely many factors at play. One is simply the changing nature of seafaring itself—in past centuries, sailing was much more physically demanding than it is today, requiring a different set of skills and attitudes among crew members. Another factor is likely broader shifts in society—for example, the rise of industrialization in the 19th century led to changes in both maritime technology and social norms aboard ships.
Regardless of what has driven these changes over time, one thing remains constant: sailor nicknames continue to capture the spirit of life at sea, with all its challenges, camaraderie, and adventure. Whether you’re a swabbie, a Jack Tar, or a salty dog yourself, these nicknames serve as testament to the rich cultural history of sailors around the world.
Why are submarine crew members considered the ultimate squids in the Navy?
Submarine crew members are often referred to as the ultimate squids in the Navy, but have you ever wondered why? Is it their unique job that sets them apart from other sailors, or is there something else that makes submarine crews stand out?
First and foremost, it’s essential to understand what submarines are and how they operate. Essentially, submarines are underwater vessels that can travel long distances without needing to surface for air. These war machines are equipped with advanced technology and weapons systems, allowing them to move stealthily through the ocean depths undetected by enemy vessels.
Now, as impressive as this might sound – driving around deep-sea trenches like James Bond underwater is no easy task. Submarines require a highly trained and skilled crew to manage their equipment and maintain their mission readiness.
Submarine crew members train extensively on a wide range of technical skills required in running an operational submersible vessel. They must be proficient at navigating waters while deep beneath the waves without any natural light available while also being responsible for conducting maintenance tasks during long deployments away from homeport.
More than that — every single person on board has a responsibility for life-saving roles such as firefighting procedures, ballistic missile launching processes, and nuclear reactor engineering (what could possibly go wrong?)
The constant submersion into hostile environments comes ultimately with emotional strain second uknown anywhere else — everyone knows when there is conflict at home leaving little room for support groups or communication channels outside what tightly very close-knit onboard community provides.
But despite all these difficult challenges they face day after day – submarine crews still manage to fulfill their responsibilities out of pure dedication toward each other if not patriotism for homeland security sake alone!
One probable reason why Submarine Crews earn prideful ribbing ‘ultimate squid’ nickname owes attribution regarding some characteristics shared between them & their marine counterparts. The octopus shares similarities with Squid in terms of having eight tentacles used intelligently for more than one function such as camouflage, defense, or catching prey. Similarly, we can commend Submarine sailors for their adaptability in multitasking various subfunctionalities demanding skillsets across their technical & emergency response proficiencies.
In conclusion, Submarine Crew members are considered the ultimate squid in the navy due to their unparalleled skill and dedication. Their work is essential to national security and requires a unique combination of intellect, bravery, and endurance that most people could never handle. So next time you encounter a submarine crew member be sure to show them some respect – they’ve earned it!
Top 5 surprising facts about why sailors are called squids
It’s no secret that sailors are often referred to as “squids.” But have you ever wondered why? It turns out that the nickname has a rich history and some surprising origins. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top 5 facts about why sailors are called squids.
1. The Term Squid is Derived from “Squib”
The word “squid” is actually a variation of the term “squib,” which was used in the 1800s to describe unskilled sailors who were tasked with menial tasks such as scrubbing the deck or handling ropes. These sailors were often viewed as being weaker and less capable than their more seasoned counterparts, hence the comparison to a small explosive that fizzles out quickly.
2. Sailors Used to Eat Squid for Good Luck
During World War II, sailors began eating squid for good luck before going into battle. This tradition started because squid were considered to be good luck charms due to their ability to evade predators and survive in harsh environments. As a result, calling a sailor a “squid” became synonymous with wishing them good luck on their journey.
3. Squids Were Thought to Be Wily Creatures
Squids are known for their agility and cunning, which made them an ideal symbol for sailors who needed to rely on quick thinking and strategy while at sea. They also have a reputation for being elusive creatures who can slip away at a moment’s notice, much like how sailors would disappear into the night when laying low during times of war.
4. The Term Was Popularized by Soldiers During World War II
During World War II, soldiers began using the term “squid” as slang for Navy personnel in general. This was likely due to the fact that many naval ships had large tentacles painted on their hulls, giving them an unmistakably squidy appearance.
5. Some Sailors Wear Special ‘Squid Wings’
To this day, some Navy sailors are awarded a special designation known as “squid wings” after completing certain training or serving in a specific role. These wings feature the image of a squid and are worn on the uniform as a badge of honor.
All in all, the term “squid” has its roots in sailor slang, tradition, and admiration for an animal that embodies many of the qualities necessary for success at sea. Whether you’re a sailor or not, it’s safe to say that being called a squid is an affectionate nod to those who have braved the high seas throughout history.
The origin of the term “squid” is not entirely clear, but there are several theories that attempt to explain its usage in the naval circles.
One theory suggests that the term “squid” may have been derived from the idea that sailors resemble squid when they walk or move about on land. Sailors often wear baggy clothes and have to carry heavy equipment on board, making their movements look somewhat awkward and ungainly.
Another theory posits that “squid” may have been coined because of sailors’ penchant for ink. In olden days, sailors were required to keep official logs of their journeys, and they often used inkwells to write down details like wind speed, weather conditions etc. Hence, over time they became synonymous with ink-slinging creatures like squids.
Yet another theory links the term “squid” to submarine warfare. During World War II, submarines were called ‘pigs,’ while surface ships were referred to as ‘cows’. The name ‘squids’ was assigned to those sailors who hunted submarines because these sea creatures prey predominantly on pigfish!
Regardless of its origin story, the nickname “Squid” has endured through generations of Navy personnel as an affectionate (if sometimes sarcastic) term for sailors engaged in active duty at sea.
In fact, it wasn’t until 1972 when Admiral Elmo Zumwalt abolished nicknames altogether within his command structure during his tenure as Chief of Naval Operations. He argued that such terms fostered division and undermined team spirit among members of different occupational specialties.
Although “Squid” is still used colloquially (sometimes even proudly) by some seafarers today, it is important to remember that its origins may have been rooted in either affection or disdain, depending on who first uttered it.
All in all, it’s evident that the unique lifestyles and work conditions of sailors have inspired a wealth of colorful colloquialisms throughout history- and whether you find the term “Squid” amusing or not, there’s no denying the enduring allure of this nickname among those who choose to serve their country at sea.
Table with useful data:
|Reasons why sailors are called squids|
|1. Some believe it originated from the Royal Navy’s reference to a sailor’s ink tattoos as resembling a squid’s ink sac.|
|2. Another theory suggests that squids were seen as slippery and hard to catch, much like sailors who were difficult to capture in battle.|
|3. Sailors were often associated with the ocean and sea creatures, and squids are a common marine organism.|
|4. It may have also been used as a derogatory term by non-sailors to mock the perceived lower intelligence or lack of sophistication of sailors.|
Information from an expert:
As a naval historian, I can tell you that the term “squid” has been used for sailors for several reasons. One theory is that it comes from the old British Navy practice of serving calamari to sailors on Fridays as a cheaper alternative to meat. Another theory is that it comes from the term “squirting,” which was used to describe how sailors would tightly pack themselves into small spaces like sardines. Ultimately, the exact origin is still up for debate, but there’s no denying that the nickname has stuck around in naval culture.
Sailors were commonly called squids during the 19th century due to their practice of using ink to create tattoos on their bodies, similar to the way squids release ink as a defense mechanism.