Jack Tar

Jack Tar (also Jacktar, Jack-tar or Tar) was a common English term originally used to refer to seamen of the Merchant or Royal Navy, particularly during the period of the British Empire. By World War I the term was used as a nickname for those in the U.S. Navy.[1] Both members of the public, and seafarers themselves, made use of the name in identifying those who went to sea. It was not used as a pejorative and sailors were happy to use the term to label themselves.[2]

Etymology

Recruitment poster from the Napoleonic Wars

There are several plausible etymologies for the reference to 'tar'.

Use

References

  1. Williams, James H (1917). "A Better Berth for Jack Tar". The Independent. New York: S.W. Benedict (Sept. 29): 502–503, 515. Retrieved Mar 24, 2010.
  2. Bruzelius, Lars (1998). "Fordyce: Blacking Rigging, 1837". Blacking Rigging. The Maritime History Virtual Archives. Retrieved April 19, 2010.
  3. http://mainlynorfolk.info/lloyd/songs/domeama.html
  4. http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/treasures/trr046.html The Murder of Crispus Attucks
  5. http://www.rollinssports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=19500&ATCLID=1549188
  6. http://www.kgbanswers.co.uk/why-are-swansea-city-football-fans-known-as-jacks-or-jack-army/2372962
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.