Three Sheets To The Wind: The Nautical Origins Of Everyday Expressions by Cynthia Barrett

The origins of a remarkable number of everyday words and phrases are anchored in our seafaring past. Three Sheets to the Wind: The Nautical Origins of Everyday Expressions is an entertaining compilation revealing the maritime roots of common English expressions.

The original Slush Fund was the fatty scraps from boiled meat that the ship’s cook secretly stashed away to sell at port to candle makers. The man who originally Turned A Blind Eye was Admiral Nelson. In one of Naval history's most famous acts of insubordination, Nelson, in the heat of battle, raised his telescope to his blind eye and announced he could not see the signal flag commanding him to break off action. 

The perfect companion for etymology lovers, factophiles, ocean dreamers, and the conversationally curious, Three Sheets to the Wind features 200 words and expressions that are nautically inspired. Alphabetically organized (from A to Sea) readers can also enjoy 100 original illustrations as well as relevant excerpts from the great novels of Melville, Forester, O’Brian, and others. These passages illustrate how such literary giants reached for these expressions in their classic masterpieces. 

• Paperback
• Explores maritime roots of common English expressions
• 200 nautically inspired words and expressions
• Connection between seafaring history and words we use in everyday life
• 100 original illustrations and excerpts from classic novels
• 192 pages
• Dimensions: 8.5"H x 5.5"W

ISBN: 9781493042272