Naval Terminology
Every service, or profession, develops their own slang terms for things within the work place. This is compilation of some Naval terminology. It is used by both the Navy and the Marine Corps. We are relatively certain that there are more just not that we remember.
| TERM | MEANING | |
| ADRIFT | Loose from towline or moorings; scattered about; not in proper stowage | |
| AFT | Referring to or toward the stern (rear) of a vessel | |
| ALL HANDS | All members of a command | |
| ASHORE | Any place outside of a naval or Marine Corps reservation | |
| AS YOU WERE | Resume former activity | |
| AWEIGH | Said of the anchor. As soon as the anchor has broken away from and is no longer fastened to the bottom | |
| AYE, AYE, SIR | Required official acknowledgment of an order meaning I have received, understand, and will carry out the order or instructions | |
| BELAY | To make fast or to secure, as in "belay the line," to cancel or to disregard a statement just made | |
| BELOW | Downstairs; lower deck | |
| BREAKOUT | Take out of stock or storage; to prepare for use | |
| BRIG | A place of confinement; a prison | |
| BROWN BAGGER | A married man | |
| BOW | The front portion of a ship | |
| BRIDGE | The portion of a ship's structure from which it is controlled when underway | |
| BROW | A portable walkway from the pier or jetty to the ship's quarterdeck | |
| BUTTKIT | An ashtray | |
| C. P. | Command Post in the field | |
| CARRY ON | The order to resume previous activity | |
| CHIT | A receipt or authorization; a piece of paper | |
| FANTAIL | The main deck of a ship at the stern | |
| FIELD DAY | Barracks cleanup | |
| FIELD SCARF | Regulation Marine Corps uniform neck tie | |
| FORECASTLE | The upperdeck at the bow on which the ground tackle is located | |
| GALLEY | Shipboard kitchen; kitchen of a mess hall; mobile field mess | |
| GANGWAY | An opening in the rail giving access to the ship. A command announcement to stand aside to let someone through | |
| GATOR | An amphibious ship; one who serves in the amphibious Navy | |
| GEEDUNK | The place (aboard ship) where candy, ice cream, soda, and smokes can be purchased | |
| HATCH | Door or doorway | |
| HEAD | Latrine or toilet | |
| LADDER | Stairs | |
| LIBERTY | Absence of enlisted from the ship or command for less than 96 hours for purposes of rest and recreation which is not charged as leave | |
| OVERHEAD | Ceiling | |
| PASSAGEWAY | A hallway | |
| PETTY OFFICER | A Navy NCO, E-4 through E-9 | |
| POGIE BAIT | A piece of candy, cookies, etc. | |
| POLICE | To straighten or to tidy up | |
| PORT | Left | |
| QUARTERDECK | The ceremonial location on board ship when the ship is moored or at anchor (It is located close to the brow or accommodation ladder and is the watch station for the Officer of the Deck). | |
| RATE | A sailor's occupational specialty | |
| SCUTTLEBUTT | Gossip or unfounded rumor; also a drinking fountain | |
| SEABAG | The bag used to stow personal gear | |
| SECURE | Stop; finish; end; make fast; put away in storage | |
| SHIPPING OVER | Reenlisting | |
| SICK BAY | Hospital or dispensary | |
| SKIPPER | Commanding Officer | |
| SKYLARK | Goof-off; to loiter | |
| SMOKING LAMP | When smoking lamp is lit, smoking is authorized. | |
| SQUARE AWAY | To straighten, make ship-shape, or to get settled. To inform or admonish someone in an abrupt manner. | |
| STARBOARD | Right | |
| STERN | The blunt end (rear) of a ship | |
| SWAB | A mop | |
| TOPSIDE | Upstairs; upper deck | |
| TURN TO | Begin work; get started | |
| WARDROOM | On board ship, the officer's living room and dining area; also used to signify all of the officers serving on the ship |