NAUTICAL NAVAL&TERMS

In this series of infographics, we’ll explore the origin of some common and peculiar nautical terms and expressions used in your U.S. Navy

Sources: Naval History and Heritage Command; Naval Ceremonies, Customs, and Traditions Sixth Edition by Royal Connell and William Mack; Dictionary of Naval Terms Sixth Edition by Deborah W. Cutler and Thomas J. Cutler; www.navy.com. Photos: Naval History and Heritage Command; Official U.S. Navy file photos, www.navy.mil. Infographic by Annalisa Underwood and Sandra Gall, Naval History and Heritage Command Communication and Outreach Division.

GALLEY

JACK-OF-THE-DUST

The kitchen of the ship. It is likely a corruption of the word “gallery.” Ancient Sailors cooked their meals on a brick or stone gallery laid amidships.

Ice cream, candy, potato chips, and other snack foods. Gedunk also refers to the place on a ship where these items are sold.

Person in charge of the food supplies and provisions aboard the ship.

Food Edition

Want More #USNavy History and Heritage?

EXPRESSIONS

visit www.history.navy.mil

MID-RATS

[\ˈga-lē\] noun

[\'mid\-\'rats\] noun

[\'stēl\ \'bēch\ \'pik-(,)nik\]noun

[\'gē,d ŋk\] noun eShortened for “midnight rations,” this is food that is served to crewmembers assigned to late night duties aboard ship.

GEDUNK

STEEL BEACHPICNIC

A feast or barbecue held on the deck of a ship to reward Sailors. On aircraft carriers, this usually takes place on the flight deck or hangar deck, sometimes with volleyball or basketball games, or even a swim call.

[\'jak\-\ v\-\th \-\'d st\] noun

e e e