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Navy Terminology
This stack goes over common terms with new names in the Navy
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Adrift | Loose from moorings and out of control |
| Aft-end | Near or toward the stern of the vessel |
| All hands | The entire ship's company, both officer and enlisted |
| Allotment | An amount of money a member has coming out of his regular pay |
| Aye-aye | Reply to an order or command meaning "I understand and will comply" |
| Barracks | Building where Sailors live |
| Below | Downstairs |
| Brightwork | Brass or shiny metal kept polished rather than painted |
| Bunk / Rack | Bed |
| Buoy | An anchored float used as an aid to navigation or to mark the location of an object |
| Carry on | An order to resume work or duties |
| Cast off | To throw off; to let go; to unfurl |
| Chain locker | Compartment to which anchor chain is stowed |
| Chit / Chit book | Coupon or receipt book |
| Chow hall / Mess deck | Place to eat |
| Colors | Raising or lowering of a national flag, Ceremonies held at 0800 and sunset for hoisting and hauling down the national ensign |
| Deep six | To dispose of by throwing over the side |
| Ensign | National flag ; commissioned officer between the rank of Chief Warrant Officer and Lieutenant Junior Grade |
| Fast | Snugly secured |
| Fathom | A unit of length (equal to 6 feet) used for measuring the depth of water |
| Flag officer | Any commissioned officer in paygrade O-7 or above |
| Galley | Kitchen |
| Gangway | An opening in a bulwark or lifeline that provides access to a brow or accommodation ladder ; and order meaning clear way |
| Gear locker | Storage room |
| Geedunk | Candy, gum, or cafeteria |
| General quarters | Battle stations |
| Liberty | Permission to leave base (usually for not more than 48 hours) |
| Lifeline | Lines erected around the weatherdecks of a ship to prevent personnel from falling or being washed over the side |
| Overhead | Ceiling |
| Passageway | Hallway |
| Quarters | Assembling of all hands for muster, instruction, and inspection |
| Rating | A job specialty title |
| Reveille | Wake up, start a new day |
| Scullery | A place to wash dishes |
| Scuttlebutt | Drinking fountain ; a rumor |
| Secure | Lock, put away or stop work |
| Sickbay | Hospital or Medical clinic |
| Swab | Mop |
| Taps | Time to sleep, end of day |
| Tattoo | Five minutes before taps |
| Topside | Upstairs |
| Turn to | Begin work |
| Working aloft | Working above the highest deck ; generally performing maintenance on the ships mast |