Navy Terminology

ADRIFT

Loose from moorings and out of control (applied to anything lost, out of hand, or left lying about

AFT-END

Near or toward the stern of the vessel

ALL HANDS

The entire ship's company, both Officer and Enlisted his regular pay

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 OR 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 in which anchor chain is stowed

CHIT, CHIT BOOK:

Coupon or receipt book CHOW HALL

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 pay grade 0-7 or above.

GALLEY:

Kitchen

GANGWAY:

An opening in a bulwark or lifeline that provides access to a brow or accommodation ladder, an order meaning to clear the way

GEAR LOCKER:

Storage room

GEEDUNK:

Candy, gum or cafeteria

GENERAL QUARTERS:

Battle stations

HEAD:

Bathroom or toilet

LIBERTY:

Permission to leave the 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

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

SCULLERY:

Place to wash dishes

TURN TO:

Begin work

WORKING ALOFT

Working above the highest deck; generally performing maintenance on ship’s mast