Terms given to us by the sea

Shipping took off around the same time as Modern English (in the 15th century).

- Adam Jacot de Boinod

Shipping took off around the same time as Modern English (in the 15th century). So it is perhaps unsurprising that, as these vessels became defining symbols of power, prestige and significance for Britain, a range of nautical terms sailed effortlessly into the language, as it was formalised.

What is surprising is how many of these terms survived, and are in use every day—with most speakers totally unaware of where they come from, or what they truly mean.

Let's start with one I initially misunderstood: "Cut of one's jib".

For years, as a young person, I thought a jib was something one wore, perhaps like a shirtfront or bib. What was this garment once considered so spiffy that it remained a compliment, I wondered? What was a well-cut jib shaped like?