Terminology & Definitions
1. ADRIFT – Loose from towline or moorings, scattered about, not in proper stowage
2. AFT- Referring to or toward the stern (rear) of a vessel
3. ALL HANDS - All members of a command
4. ASHORE – Any place outside of a naval or Marine Corps reservation
5. AS YOU WERE – Resume former activity
6. AWEIGH – Said of the anchor. As soon as the anchor has broken away from and is no longer fastened to the bottom
7. AYE, AYE, SIR – Required official acknowledgement of an order meaning I have received, understand, and will carry out the order or instructions
8. BELAY – To make fast or to secure, as in “belay the line,” to can or to disregard a statement just made
9. BELOW – Downstairs, lower deck
10. BREAKOUT – Take out of stock or storage, to prepare for use
11. BRIG – A place of confinement, a prison
12. BROWN BAGGER – A married man
13. BOW – The front of the ship
14. BRIDGE – The portion of a ship’s structure from which it is controlled when underway
15. BROW – A portable walkway from the pier or jetty to the ship’s quarterdeck
16. BULKHEAD - Wall
17. BUTTKIT – An ashtray
18. C.P. – Command Post in the field
19. CARRY ON – The order to resume previous activity
20. CHIT – A receipt or authorization, a piece of paper
21. CIC – Combat Information Center. Warfare center onboard ship
22. DECK – The floor
23. FANTAIL – The main deck of a ship at the stern
24. FIELD DAY – Barracks or shipboard cleanup
25. FIELD SCARF – Regulation Marine Corps uniform neck tie
26. FORECASTLE – The upper deck at the bow on which the ground tackle is located
27. GALLEY – Shipboard kitchen, kitchen of a mess hall, mobile field mess
28. GANGWAY – An opening in the rail giving access to the ship. A command announcement to stand aside to let someone through
29. GATOR – An amphibious ship; one who serves as the ship's navigator
30. GEEDUNK – The place (aboard ship) where candy, ice cream, soda, and smokes can be purchased
31. HATCH – Door or doorway
32. HEAD – Latrine or toilet
33. LADDER – Stairs
34. 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
35. OVERHEAD – Ceiling
36. PASSAGEWAY – A hallway
37. PETTY OFFICER – A Navy NCO, E-4 through E-9
38. POLICE – To straighten or to tidy up
39. PORT – Left
40. 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.)
41. RATE – A sailor’s pay grade
42. RATING- A sailor’s occupational specialty
43. SCUTTLEBUTT – Gossip or unfounded rumor, also a drinking fountain
44. SEABAG – The bag used to stow personal gear
45. SECURE – Stop, finish, end, make fast, put away in storage
46. SHIPPING OVER – Reenlisting
47. SICK BAY – Hospital or dispensary
48. SKIPPER – Commanding Officer
49. SKYLARK – Goof-off, to loiter
50. SMOKING LAMP – When smoking lamp is lit, smoking is authorized
51. SQUARE AWAY – To straighten, make ship-shape, or to get settled. To inform or admonish someone in an abrupt manner
52. STARBOARD – Right
53. STERN – The blunt end (rear) of a ship
54. SWAB – A mop
55. TOPSIDE- Upstairs, upper deck
56. TURN TO – Begin work, get starte
57. WARDROOM – On board ship, the officer’s living room and dining area; also used to signify all officers serving on the
