Jack Tar

For the 1915 British silent film, see Jack Tar (film).

Jack Tar (also Jacktar, Jack-tar or Tar) was a common English term originally used to refer to seamen of the Merchant or Royal Navy, particularly during the period of the British Empire. By World War I the term was used as a nickname for those in the U.S. Navy.[1] Both members of the public, and seafarers themselves, made use of the name in identifying those who went to sea. It was not used as an offensive term and sailors were happy to use the term to label themselves.[2]

Etymology

Recruitment poster from the Napoleonic Wars

There are several plausible etymologies for the reference to 'tar'.

Use

References

  1. Williams, James H (1917). "A Better Berth for Jack Tar". The Independent (New York: S.W. Benedict) (Sept. 29): 502–503, 515. Retrieved Mar 24, 2010.
  2. Bruzelius, Lars (1998). "Fordyce: Blacking Rigging, 1837". Blacking Rigging. The Maritime History Virtual Archives. Retrieved April 19, 2010.
  3. http://mainlynorfolk.info/lloyd/songs/domeama.html
  4. http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/treasures/trr046.html The Murder of Crispus Attucks
  5. http://www.rollinssports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=19500&ATCLID=1549188
  6. http://www.kgbanswers.co.uk/why-are-swansea-city-football-fans-known-as-jacks-or-jack-army/2372962

External links

Look up jacktar in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.

Williams, James H (1917). "A Better Berth for Jack Tar". The Independent (New York: S.W. Benedict) 91 (Sept. 29): 502–503, 515. Retrieved Mar 24, 2010. —Article by an Able Seaman describing the Seamen's Act of 1915 and conditions for seafarers

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