Why is a Ship Called She
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Why is a Ship Called She?
Ah, sweet mystery of life! Why is a ship called she? That question is right up there with Why is the sky blue? Why is the grass green? Why have I chosen this subject? Why? Because my hubbuddy, psychicdog.net, asked me to provide the answer to why a ship is always of the feminine persuasion when I wrote a review about the world’s largest cruise ship – the Oasis of the Seas.
So, I am taking the time away from my pursuit of the other incredibly important philosophical conundrums on my plate such as if you drop a piece of buttered toast, why does it always land with the buttered-side on the floor? Or, why does that $5.00 discount coupon you and I have been searching for always turn up the day after its expiration date?
Back to – Why do we call a ship she? But first get ready for a musical digression. One of my first thoughts on the subject of giving female appellations to things ordinarily considered male took me back to the song by Johnny Cash, “A Boy Named Sue.” Do you remember it? If you never heard of either Johnny Cash or “Sue,” you are in for a treat. Watch this video of the original version of Cash’s song sung live at San Quentin Penitentiary in 1969. Because the lyrics are so memorable, I have reprinted them at the end for your pleasure.Johnny Cash singing "A Boy Named Sue"
So I’m thinking that if a boy were named Sue then why is it so unusual for a ship to be a she. My voluminous research has turned up a number of intriguing answers to this question. Now you can select your favorite.
Answer #1 – A ship is called "she" because . . .
There is always a great deal of bustle around her … There is usually a gang of men about … It takes a lot of paint to keep her good looking … She shows her topsides and hides her bottom … She can be all decked out … It takes an experienced man to handle her correctly … When coming into port, she always heads for the buoys … Without a man at the helm, she is absolutely un-controllable … And the main reason … it's not the initial expense that breaks you, it's the upkeep.
This explanation has been posted in the wardrooms of numerous U.S. ships.
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Answer #2 – A ship is called "she" because . . .
A ship may represent a mother taking care of a human inside her womb. So when we board a ship or a vessel, we are all inside her and she takes care of her passengers until we are delivered safely to our destination.
The author of this answer may need therapy to deal with his psychological Oedipus complex - the unconscious antagonism of a son to his father, whom he sees as a rival for his mother's affection.
Answer #3 – A ship is called "she" because . . .
The exact reason why ships are called “she” in the English language is lost to history. While explanations abound, most appear to be of the folk variety, assumed or invented after the fact as a way to make sense of the phenomenon. Ships are an interesting example in English, as they are among the few inanimate objects that take a gendered pronoun, whereas most other objects are called “it.”
"History is an account, mostly false, of events, mostly unimportant, which are brought about by rulers, mostly knaves, and soldiers, mostly fools." – Ambrose Bierce
Countries are also called “she” as are automobiles, motorcycles and boats but the latter examples are probably an extension from ships.
“How do you like my new Exelero sports car; Isn’t she a beauty?”
Answer #4 – A ship is called "she" because . . .
Another plausible theory is that boats are called “she” because they are traditionally given female names, typically the name of an important woman in the life of the boat's owner, such as his mother or wife. It has also been surmised that all ships were once dedicated to goddesses, and later to important mortal women when belief in goddesses waned. Interestingly, although male captains and sailors historically attributed the spirit of a benevolent female figure to their ships, and often the prow sported the full figure of a topless female, actual women on board were considered very bad luck at sea.
Have you wondered about the definition of a ship, versus a boat? The captain of a cruise ship gave me this definition: “A ship is a vessel large enough to carry a boat. A boat is smaller and cannot carry a ship. However, if a ship is sinking, it looks for … a boat.”
Mayday" originates from the French "m'aidez" which means "help me".
Answer #5 – A ship is called “she” because . . .
There is evidence that English once had a more extensive system of grammatical gender, similar to that in languages such as German and French. In most Indo-European languages with grammatical gender, the word for ship is feminine. In Old English texts, there is more evidence of grammatical gender, such as a shield being called “she”.
You may be interested to know that a ship being called a “she” is very much a western Europe / U.S. custom. In Russia and much of Arabic Asia, a ship is called “he”.
Whether the fact that ships are called she is a throwback to an ancient system of grammatical gender that has disappeared from English in all but a few instances, or an analogy to the reverence that sailors have for the women in their lives, the phenomenon is one of the most interesting anomalies in Modern English. Recently, advocates of gender-neutral or non-sexist language have proposed that ships no longer be called she, but rather it, like any other inanimate object.
Time out for the very funny “crowded ship’s cabin” scene in the Groucho Marx film, “One Night at the Opera.” How many people did you count in the cabin?
Answer #6 – A ship is called “she” because . . .
It is possible that ships, boats, autos, etc., are known as "she" because everyone babies them so much, keeps them clean, neat and pretty, and maintains them in good shape. It may not be considered manly for a machine to be hand-wiped and waxed every week.
Unless, of course, you are the owner of a Corvette . . . or an Exelero!
Answer #7 – A ship is called “she” because . . .
Ships are referred to in the feminine because that's the gender for the word, "ship" or “navis” in Latin. So the pronoun is always "she".
Note: Although hurricanes (storms) still receive feminine names, every other storm is given a masculine name. Would you say they are now himacanes?
Answer #8 – A ship is called “she” because . . .
Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz put it more succinctly in an address to the Society of Sponsors of the United States Navy: "A ship is always referred to as 'she' because it costs so much to keep one in paint and powder."
Answer #9 – A ship is called “she” because . . .
WikiAnswer: At the time of the ancient mariners even as far back as 500 BC, most were 'married to the sea' due to their love for the ocean. The ships were their livelihood, their home and their love. As a compliment to the women they loved, they named their sailing vessels after them, telling them that it would remind them of the ones they left behind for the months and sometimes years they would be gone. This caught on. The 'she' was also given for things of great beauty found in the sea, e.g., “There she blows!" depicting the massive water spout seen by ancient whaling ships which almost all had female names. Even when ships stopped being given feminine names they were still referred to as 'she', but basically this analogy was due to a captain's love for his ship. "She’s a fine ship, Captain."
Not all Captains are perfect ... watch the guy fall off the stern of the tug.
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Answer #10 – A ship is called “she” because . . .
“Why We Call a Ship a She?” By Rear Admiral Francis D. Foley, U.S. Navy (Retired), Naval History, December 1998
“Ships are referred to as ‘she’ because men love them, but this encompasses far more than just that. Man-o'-war or merchantman, there can be a great deal of bustle about her as well as a gang of men on deck, particularly if she is slim-waisted, well-stacked, and has an inviting superstructure. It is not so much her initial cost as it is her upkeep that makes you wonder where you founder.
She is greatly admired when freshly painted and all decked out to emphasize her cardinal points. If an aircraft carrier, she will look in a mirror when about to be arrested, and will wave you off if she feels you are sinking too low or a little too high, day or night. She will not hangar around with duds, but will light you off and launch you into the wild blue yonder when you muster a full head of steam.
“Even a submarine reveals her topsides returning to port, heads straight for the buoys, knows her pier, and gets her breast-lines out promptly if she is single-screwed. On departure, no ship leaves port asleep, she always leaves a wake. She may not mind her helm or answer to the old man when the going gets rough, and can be expected to kick up her heels on a family squall.
“A ship costs a lot to dress, sometimes blows a bit of smoke, and requires periodic overhauls to extend her useful life. Some have a cute fantail, others are heavy in the stern, but all have double-bottoms which demand attention. When meeting head-on, sound a recognition signal; whistle. If she does not answer up, come about and start laying alongside, but watch to see if her ship is slowing . . . perhaps her slip is showing? Then proceed with caution until danger of collision is over and you can fathom how much latitude she will allow.
“If she does not remain on an even keel, let things ride, feel your way, and do not cross the line until you determine ‘weather’ the "do" point is right for a prolonged blast. Get the feel of the helm, stay on the right “tact”, keep her so, and she will pay off handsomely. If she is in the roaring forties, however, you may be in the dangerous semi-circle, so do not expect much "luff," especially under bare poles.
She may think you are not under command or control and shove off. If she edges aweigh, keep her steady as she goes, but do not sink into the doldrums. Just remember that ‘to furnish a ship requires much trouble, but to furnish a woman the cost is double!’
“To the women who now help us "man" our ships, my apologies for the foregoing. Only the opening phrase presents my true feelings. After all, a ship's bell(e) will always remain her most prized possession, and every good ship has a heart, just like yours. A trick at the wheel, like you, would have been welcome aboard when I was on "she" duty for 40 years. May God bless you all, sweetheart!”
Those are the ten answers I found to the question, “Why do we call a ship she?” Which answer do you like best?
My favorite ship quotes:
“We did not all come over on the same ship, but we are all in the same boat.” – Bernard Baruch
“When I lost my rifle, the Army charged me 85 dollars. That is why in the Navy, the Captain goes down with the ship.” – Dick Gregory
“If you want your ship to come in, you must build a dock.”
“If your ship doesn’t come in, swim out to it.” – Jonathan Winters
“The man who has done nothing but wait for his ship to come in has already missed the boat.”
Copyright BJ Rakow 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Author, "Much of What You Know about Job Search Just Ain't So."
"A Boy Named Sue" lyrics
My daddy left home when I was three,
And he didn't leave much to ma and me.
Just this old guitar and an empty bottle of booze.
Now, I don't blame him cause he run and hid,
But the meanest thing that he ever did,
Was before he left, he went and named me "Sue."
Well, he must o' thought that is quite a joke, And it got a lot of laughs from a' lots of folk,
It seems I had to fight my whole life through.
Some gal would giggle and I'd get red,
And some guy'd laugh and I'd bust his head,
I tell ya, life ain't easy for a boy named "Sue."
Well, I grew up quick and I grew up mean,
My fist got hard and my wits got keen,
I'd roam from town to town to hide my shame.
But I made a vow to the moon and stars,
That I'd search the honky-tonks and bars,
And kill that man who gave me that awful name.
Well, it was Gatlinburg in mid-July,
And I just hit town and my throat was dry,
I thought I'd stop and have myself a brew.
At an old saloon on a street of mud,
There at a table, dealing stud,
Sat the dirty, mangy dog that named me "Sue."
Well, I knew that snake was my own sweet dad, From a worn-out picture that my mother'd had,
And I knew that scar on his cheek and his evil eye.
He was big and bent and gray and old,
And I looked at him and my blood ran cold.
And I said: "My name is 'Sue!' How do you do!
Now you’re gonna die!"
Well, I hit him hard right between the eyes,
And he went down, but to my surprise,
He come up with a knife and cut off a piece of my ear.
But I busted a chair right across his teeth,
And we crashed through the wall and into the street,
Kicking and a' gouging in the mud and the blood and the beer.
I tell ya, I've fought tougher men,
But I really can't remember when,
He kicked like a mule and he bit like a crocodile.
I heard him laugh and then I heard him cuss,
He went for his gun and I pulled mine first,
He stood there lookin' at me and I saw him smile.
And he said: "Son, this world is rough, And if a man's gonna make it, he's gotta be tough,
And I knew I wouldn't be there to help ya along.
So I give ya that name and I said goodbye.
I knew you'd have to get tough or die,
And it's the name that helped to make you strong."
He said: "Now you just fought one hell of a fight,
And I know you hate me, and you got the right,
To kill me now, and I wouldn't blame you if you do.
But ya ought to thank me, before I die,
For the gravel in ya guts and the spit in ya eye,
Cause I'm the son-of-a-bitch that named you ‘Sue.’”
I got all choked up and I threw down my gun,
And I called him my pa, and he called me his son,
And I came away with a different point of view.
And I think about him, now and then,
Every time I try and every time I win,
And if I ever have a son, I think I'm gonna name him . . .
Bill or George! Anything but Sue! I still hate that name!
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This is just excellent. I am printing this, and putting it in our yacht for all to read! Rated up.
If only my own "top ten lists" carried the wealth of information this hub includes! Calling a ship "she" was just one of those things I accepted without thinking about it much--I mostly heard it from Captain Kirk on the Enterprise, anyway. The stories and thoughts, suggestions and one-liners explaining the reasons for calling a ship "she" were interesting. I confess I was captivated by the videos, also. I always loved both Johnny Cash and the Marx Brothers. Thanks.
Mike
Interesting question and points. Thank you.
Love'd this, drbj and thanks - I better ask you more questions! You are right up there with the best... Musical and Video digressions were much appreciated. One Night at the Opera video - the "sleeper" - how did he sleep through so much commotion.LOL
My favorite explanation 'A ship is always referred to as 'she' because it costs so much to keep one in paint and powder' - so true :) I love boats, and I love sailing, but as my friend (a very good sailor) always says: 'Never own a boat'..... yes, it costs too much!
Well you've gotta call her something. Anyway, I thought 'she' was the cat's mother. Thanks for the giggle.
Hi, shil - you loved this hub? What a coincidence! I love you! Delighted you enjoyed my foray into the oddity of calling a ship a she.
I am always intrigued by that which is different, odd or weird - as evidenced by my ten hubs on Weird Animals. And oh, yes, five hubs on Crazy Laws.
Thanks for being the first to comment and so wisely!!!
Hello drbj. I've often wondered this myself, but never bothered digging any deeper. Thanks for the excellent dig. LOL! I loved answers 1 & 10 the best, although the others were also very amusing as well.
I've also heard of explosions of various types (fireworks, volcanos, propane tankers) as "thar she blows", but maybe only in the movies.
I enjoyed the Marx Brothers clip. Another of their movies "Monkey Business" features them as stowaways on a ship. Great stuff.
OMG - That is too hilarious! Especially the Oedipus complex theory....no kidding!
I love the conundrums you are embroiled in - these are heavy questions that need answers - and when you get that one about the toast always falling on the buttered side, could you please email me post haste? I need to know this - and I ALWAYS find the dang coupons after they have expired. I believe it is a government plot!
Marvelous vids as well - the ship accident somehow smacks of me though and that is making ME shiver! Nothing quite as classic as the Marx Brothers either.
Super job and thanks for the giggles! I love all the references to the ships breasts, etc. I am a firm believer, however, in 'when the going gets tough - call a woman'. Well, most of the time - unless it's me. You can call me but you can bet it's gonna probably take a while for me fix everything because I'll have to take time out to have a comedy first!
Drbj-In English the ship is "she" but in all our languages the ship is "he" hope this creates no problems for your ship,(Kidding)this is really the research only you are able to do.wonderful.
To add to the confusion; while in English is a "she" and in Indian seems to be a "he" according to Suny in Romanian a ship is "neutral". What about that? Problem solved and everybody can be happy.
Calling a ship a 'he' would just be creepy. 'nuff said.
This was a delightful eyeopener. I never would have guessed there would be sooo many reasons why a ship is called "she"..at least in the English speaking world. I think the womb definition is the most plausible, but it lacks humor so forget it. I'll choose as my fave, "When coming into port, she always heads for the buoys". Corny, but I like it! Anyway dr your humor is also priceless and so is your format. Thanks for including the stateroom scene. One can never view it too many times and it always gets ya laughing :) :) OK, so countries are all "she's". Have the Germans gone back to the "motherland?" Just curious.
I love your amusing style of writing in this Hub. It really made me laugh (especially in your introductory remarks). I quite enjoyed reading that and I'm glad someone asked you that question because you gave such a great response.
Great Hub!
Hi, equealla, how nice to meet you. I don't think any of my hubs have ever been posted on a yacht before so yours will definitely be a first.
Thanks for stopping by, your kind comments and the up rating. Come back any time.
Hi, Mike, you're welcome. I realized when I decided to write this hub that there are some questions always out there but under the radar. So you don't really think that much about them until they are brought to your attention.
That's exactly what psychicdog did when he asked why we call a ship "she."
Thanks for your pleasant comments - as always.
I knew we had a lot in common. Groucho and Cash are two of my favorites, too.
Hi, hello, happy this hub was of interest to you, and thank you for stopping by.
psychicdog - the one responsible for all this conjecture. Thank you for providing the germ of inspiration for this hub.
Delighted you enjoyed Johnny Cash and the videos. The Marx Brothers made a number of very funny black & white movies. Groucho is the leader - the one with the mustache; Chico is the one in the black hat (he played a mean piano); and Harpo, the "sleeper" was always silent in the films. Never said a word - simply used pantomime. So he was perfect for the part of the man who could sleep through all that commotion.
Hi, Wanderlust, thanks for wandering by. Your friend, the sailor, is right about owning boats; they are costly. At one point some years ago my husband and I bought a used Chris Craft "Connie" which we enjoyed for two years until we realized as my husband often said, "A boat is a hole down which you throw money."
So we sold it to a fire department in central Florida. Was it used for fire fighting? No way. It served as a weekend retreat for the firemen.
Hi, amillar, happy I could provide a giggle. Notice you are still a man of few words. Well, as I have noted before, strong and silent is GOOD!
Another great hub from you. I never know about this before. I thought it depend on us to give special name for the ship, but I am wrong. Thanks my friend .You always come up with useful information. Good to see you again. As usual, I vote this Up!
Prasetio
Nice to see you, timorous. Answers one and ten are two of my favorites, too. Your comment reminded me that I have seen probably the same old movies as you where an oil well came in and someone said, "There she blows!" Probably an old seaman.
Happy to meet another Marx Bros. fan - will have to check out Monkey Business - I think I missed that movie.
Thanks for the visit and the gracious comments.
drbj~ A true gem of a Hub. I like #1&10 the best. My father, a sea man to the last--God rest his soul with Davie Jones, would have to agree these would be the best answers too. Brilliant!
#1 and #8 work for me. Both definitions of wimmin in general. Thank Frog I'm not one ;)
A great hub drbj, another delicious serving from the plate of an inquiring mind and one that I suspect is a little younger and far more glamourous than your profile would have us believe. Bravo and more! More!!
Hi, Audrey, m'luv, yes, you are absolutely correct. The buttered toast falling wrong side down and the temporary disappearance of soon-to-expire coupons are not only a government plot but guided by aliens . . . in the government!
I love reading about your comedic exploits in your hubs, but be more careful in the future. Some of your "episodes" are downright dangerous.
Knew, somehow, you were a Marx Brothers fan, too. Thanks for stopping by and the lovely, as always, comments. Salud! (meaning stay healthy)!
Thank you, suny, you are right. English is one of the few languages where pronouns are sometimes not what you think they will be. And until I did the research and wrote this hub, I did not know how that strange anomaly originated.
But ships are generally beautiful, admired and majestic - so why not "she"?
What a fabulous hub. So much information and definitions made my head a little groggy or was it from being on her ship/vessel/tug/barge for to long:0)
I often wonder why they call a ship a her/she and now I know. A great hub and inserting one of my favorite cowboy's Mr JC and that's not Jesus Christ, he sang a different message than Johnny:>). I rate this HUB up there as one of the best I've read on Hubs..will be bookmarking fer sure and tweeting.
Hi, Petra - thanks for the explanation. Just goes to show Romanians are the most practical people. No?
But as I think about it, saying "Isn't she a beautiful ship?" just sounds better, to me, than "Isn't it a beautiful ship?" Whatcha think?
I agree with you, nicomp, 110%. Calling a ship "he" is not only creepy but positively un-American!
Hi, Hillary - funny how many explanations you find when you search for something you always knew about but didn't know the "why." Guess that's what motivates scientists, and maybe great writers like you and me. :)
Thank you for the marvelous comments. Not surprised you are a fan of high-level comedy as performed by the Marx Brothers. I miss those guys.
I had forgotten about "the fatherland." But then some folks, I have found, march to the beat of a different drummer.
Hi, Kimberly - we have much in common - you love my writing and I love you for loving my writing. It's always my pleasure to have you visit and comment - don't stop.
P.S., I love your writing, too.
Hi, prasetio, so good to hear from you. Thanks for the kind words but then you are always so kind and gracious.
I'm delighted you enjoyed reading about the "gender" of a ship - one of the things I have often wondered about.
Thanks, drbj. I gues we do have much in common. hehe. Don't worry, I won't stop visiting and commenting! :)
Great hub - I am thinking it is out of love, respect, comfort and all those good things :) Thar She blows :)
Drbj hi-I forgot to tell you that boats,trains,buses,cars are "she" in Indian languages too but airplanes and ships are "he"in our languages,may be they feel more powerful than other transports,though I like your definition if the ship is beautiful should be a "she".Okay I accept it Drbj ship is "beautiful".Anchors.
Hello, Wildiris. #1 and 10 are my favorites, too. Thank you for the "brilliant." Now that;s what I call a comment.
You mentioned your dad in the context of Davey Jones. If you meant he lost his life at sea, please accept my sincere condolences.
Hi, Andria, what's my favorite froggy friend up to these days? Delighted to see you here and that you enjoyed the product of this inquiring mind.
Younger and more glamorous am I? Extremely flattered by your adulation (?). But methinks you need a new prescription for your spectacles or a stronger dose of your meds. In any case, I love you for it. :)
Welcome, saddlerider, how nice to have you stop by. And your comment, "fabulous hub," now you've won my heart.
And to throw in "best hub, bookmarking and tweeting" - your superlatives have put you on the top of my list of favorite hubbers.
Also - we share a mutual admiration of ole Johnny. Thanks for your visit and most gracious words.
Hi, Kim - thank you. Writing hubs and then visiting and commenting (positively) - that's what it's all about!
Yes, Billy, like you, I tend to think that the use of the feminine pronoun indicates a certain respect and reverence. Answer #2 may have been on the right track but just went too far!
Thank you, suny, I knew you'd come around. Ho, ho!
BJ - No worries - I bounce well! Or so it would seem thus far in my illustrious career as a klutz! I am looking into buying helmets, however, in mass quantity - just to be on the safe side as I age 'gracefully' - don't think that's gonna happen!
wow such an unorthodox topic that was written deeply. People say the same thing about cars to. Shes my baby! (some fancy corvette or something.
Fantastic details and I now feel smarter having learned something of real value for the day. It all makes sense especially the part about all the men moving and shaking about the ship or as you said hustle and bustle. Men do like to call things they care for girl or her. Very interesting read. I enjoyed it as a nice break from my 30 day product hubs challenge. Thanks for all the research that went into this. Your a jewel and what a lovely crown you make... Peace :)
Happy to hear, Audrey, that you still have plenty of bounce to the ounce. Here's a "klutz" story just for you:
On a plane last month, I was seated next to an attractive woman wearing a beautiful humongous diamond ring. She noticed me admiring it and said, "This is the Klutz diamond. Don't know if you ever heard of it but although it is beautiful it comes with a curse."
"Really?" I said. "What's the curse?"
"Mr. Klutz!"
Hi, david. Yep, unorthodox subjects are my favorites: ships called she; fat rats (MSG and Fat Rats and Us); Banned Super Bowl Commercials; Crazy Laws; Weird Animals; Doughnuts; Pig Personality Test, et al. If it's strange, sooner or later chances are I will write about it.
Thanks for the visit and the "written deeply." Better than shallow writing, no?
I do admire you, katie, for persevering through the 30-days product hub challenge. I would try that, too, if I could find enough really weird products to promote. Some day.
Thanks for taking the time to visit and your "jewel" comment. You are a gem, too. :)
drbj this was hysterical....hahahaha.....if I could just make a laugh last this long! Not all captains are perfect?? Haha, he falls off his boat! Yes, yes, they are himacanes! Damn little sniveling good for nothing should have been named Candy or Petunia he thinks Sue is so bad. Loved the Hub!
I am going to find the man at Hubpages who is responsible for sending out notices of newly published hubs and kill him, even though my name is not Sue.
It's a regular thing with me that I do not get notification of my favourite authors' hubs, but the confusing thing is that this happens only occasionally. As a result I missed out on a good laugh from your new hub just when I needed it most.
There is only one way out of this. Marry me. Polygamy is a much misunderstood condition and I shall lay an almost unblemished heart at your feet, the “almost” being the operative word here.
Think of the quite evenings the three of us shall spend together, me reverting to pipe smoking once more for purposes of effect and you telling stories while my other wife prepares the coffee and biscuits….
I tell you it’s the only way :-)))
I agree with you, Steve. Candy, or OMG, Petunia, would have been unbearable. Compared to those appellations, Sue is milder than Ivory soap. (You're probably too young to remember Ivory's interminable advertising promoting their soap as 99 44/100th percent pure).
Thank you for "loving" the hub. And "hysterical" is nice, too.
Hi, De Greek. An "almost unblemished heart" is often the best kind. It speaks of incomparable knowledge, skill, practice and dare I say, experience?
You must know how much I enjoy reading your hubs, too, since they often speak of the above and I know in my heart (somewhat blemished) that you are truly a man who understands that he (or she) who laughs, LASTS!
Since we appear to have so much in common, it would be my pleasure to consider additional polyandry on my part - since I have to first get the approval of Tom, Dick, Harry and yes, Moe.
Does your wife know how to bake scrumptious chocolate chip cookies? If so, then it's a deal!!!
Alas, Dear drbj, - but I suppose that now I must call you Darling -------, :-))))))) - our wife does not cook. If it is cookies that will win your little heart, then they will have to be bought ready packed from the local Tesco, and I shall sacrifice myself by hacking my way through the undergrowth in order to get to it and bring back what your petite heart desires. Let it not be said that the De Greeks do not look after their women :-)))
Think of the pleasant evenings we shall share exchanging brilliant thoughts in front of the fire.
Do bear in mind that the blazer badges have arrived and since you did not notice my relevant hub, please send me your address so that I can send you one :-)
Oh, and I looooooooooove it when people get my little pieces like "Almost unblemished" :-)))
Yes I have to agree the womb answer does take it a little too far :)
The cookies were just a test, De Greek, which you and "our wife" passed easily.
Exchanging brilliant banter would be a delight, but please, not in front of a fire. I live in the hottest, most humid area in the U.S.
Somehow missed your relevant blazer badges hub so will contact you with said address - eager to see what is emblazoned thereupon. Till the morrow -
"somewhat blemished" bj
You are spot on, billy, oedipal attachment may get in the way of reason.
I like all the explanations, but Nimitz's is a perfect example of the Admiral's wit. Terrific post-- I really enjoyed it a lot !!
Thank you, cm, your comments are especially appreciated since I have learned from your hubs that you possess an excellent sense of humor and tend to see and write about the funny side of life. Like me. Or is it like I?
A ship is called “she” because . . .
Ships are driven by men.
You are so right, youcanwin. And ships are also admired by men.
And if they are cruise ships. we women love them even more! :)
Nice job drbj.
You put a lot of efforts to create this hub.
Nice reading
Thanks
Thank you, jk, for your visit and your nice comments. You are right. I find when I get started on a topic, I try to explore every facet - maybe sometimes too many - of the subject. But I appreciate you for noticing my efforts.
Being an ex-navy man myself, having served on the USS Enterprise (CVN-65), and being the son of a 23-year retired navy chief, this hub was entirely fascinating to me. Very well researched and very well put together and an absolute pleasure to read. Bravo zulu, my friend!
Hi, Jim. Thanks for stopping by.
Is there such a thing as an ex-Navy man? I dunno. All the lovely chaps I've met who served in the navy are still, as far as I can tell, gung-ho navy guys. Which is great by me.
Delighted that you with your navy background enjoyed my hub. Thank you for the gracious comments and the bravo zulu. :)
Neat hub! I've wondered about this before. We gave our boat a gender-neutral name - Southern Cross.
Hi, habee. "Southern Cross" is a neat name. Is there a hidden meaning I should know?
When my husband and I owned a boat when the kids were small, I wanted to name it "Hole Down Which We Throw Money," but he talked me out of it.
hi Drbj-stopped to tell you that my daughter's pet name is SHIP and she is really beautiful,sorry for the little bit of fun,hope you didn't mind that all that much.See you.
Hi, suny - of course I didn't mind. "Fun" is my middle name. How did your daughter get that pet name - it's unusual but very nice. Tell her this article is therefore dedicated to her!
I guess it's true. Once a sailor always a sailor—and YES we DO have more fun. :)
..well well well ... it took me so long to scroll down to the bottom of this screen that I forgot the rhyme I was planning to present to you ..... lol lol
but I must say this - what a fabulous subject you have come up with - and the presentation and research makes this a world class piece of journalism!
Definitely you add class and panache to the hub world and we are extremely lucky as readers (and fans) because of it!
Awwwwww, epi, You're too kind. But I LOVE it!
Consider this a personal invitation to visit my hubs any and every time especially when you comment in such brilliant and insightful terms.
"World class"? "panache"? Can you tell I am blushing?
You surely covered all the bases. I enjoyed this Hub. It is funny and enlightening. Thank you for this pleasure. I'll go with # 7. :-)
Hi, James. I've been missing your erudite and enlightening hubs. Hope all is going well with your writing and other endeavors.
The pleasure is all mine. And knowing your somewhat classical bent, not at all surprised that you chose #7. Cheers and good luck.
I enjoyed all of your questions very much drbj!
answer for the ship are great. amazing collection of info. admirable work.
You know funny thing -- in my mother tongue Hindi (which is also Indo-Euroean)
word for ship is "Jahaj" Which is he, while for boat is "Nav" which is feminine.
I thought that was because ship was big and boat was small and sweet.
Hi, soumyasrajan, how nice to meet you, especially since you made such gracious comments. Delighted you enjoyed reading the many answers to the questions.
I like your reasoning for the masculine ship and the feminine boat - makes sense to me.
Thanks for the visit; come back any time.
Well, this is wonderful and nice hub, your hubs make me really think and I always learn a lot,
Hmm, been thinking about this long and hard, you have all the selections why a ship is a she. I am leaning towards number two -- it is like a womb also carrying lots of important things and people, caring for them until they dock, Maita
Thank you for your most gracious comments and your visits to my hubs, Maita. You know how much I appreciate your visits and your insightful comments.
Reason number two seems to resonate with many folks who read this hub.
What a great hub drjb,...and very well researched. It's an important question! I always did think it might have something to do with the mother/protector thing, as in 'mother nature'...so I guess I'd have to go with no. 2 as well. It's ironic when you consider that women on ships were thought to be bad luck at one stage. I mean if a ship is a woman...how can that be the case?
Love Johnny Cash!
I agree with you, Jane. Sailors have never regarded it lucky to have a woman aboard, yet it was long considered lucky to have a female figure on the prow, and the fact that they have always used a female appellation when speaking of a ship never seemed to bother them. So you might be on the mark with #2 - they're with their "mommies."
Johnny is one of my favorites, too. Cash and Carson!
really awesome/funny hub. i definetly liked the johnny cash song.
Thank you, blackmagyk, I'm a Cash fan, too. Delighted to have you visit and thank you for the "really awesome/funny hub." One of my favorite comments.
Speaking of comments, take a look at my hub, "Comments and Traffic," and let me know what you think.
Hmmm. How on earth have i been using the feminine gender to address ships, autos, countries... without asking why?
This Hub is so funny and so informative. Thanks for sharing such important info with a light tone. I love it!
Hi, PR. Isn't it strange how often we all accept things without asking why. Like calling ships and other stuff, "she."
Thanks for your kind comments; "funny" and "informative" make my day. And "light tone" is my middle name. Most of the time. Love you, too.
Very funny. Your posts are great.
Funny is my middle name, ek. Thanks for the kind comments.
I'll go for #5 which makes the most sense. I loved that Marx Brothers scene. It's one of my all time favorite movies scenes ever! In fact, we were just talking about it the other day and I was thrilled to set here and watch it. The Marx Brothers rule!
I knew we had a lot in common, Dolores. The Marx Brothers and Groucho, their leader, are among my favorite comedians. And the ship's cabin scene is a film classic. One of my favorite jokes from Groucho is: "Outside a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside a dog, it's too hard to read."
I have just read one of the best hubs on hubpages! You are one gifted writer with just the right amount of humor. Saving this article and also sending it to my family, music students and friends. I cannot say enough about this hub and how gifted you are. I am a fan that will now read everything you have available. Thank you so much! Rated up and awesome (again). :-)
Aw shucks, vc, I would blush if I knew how to but it's one talent I've never had. What a marvelous compliment you pay me. Would you like to be my newest BFF?
I'm gifted to have found you as a fan and will do my level best never to disappoint you. Thanks for the very gracious comments and up rating.
Very entertaining! Thanks loads.
Hi, Wrath. Thanks for visiting and the "entertaining" comment - one of my favorite adjectives. The pleasure is mine.
So much fun! You have a great way of entertaining, while educating your readers. Love all this wonderful trivia about ships! Laughed out loud at the idea of a "himicaine" :)
Thank you, steph, and welcome to my sometimes slightly skewed world. Appreciate your very gracious comments. I laughed a lot to myself, out loud, while I was writing this hub. I think that's a sign of something but I'd rather not learn what!
Entertaining and informative reading! Enjoyed the post so much.
Thank you, Paula Andrea MA, for your very gracious comments. Delighted you enjoyed this irreverent hub. On most days, I find "irreverent" is the way to go!
What a beautiful hub! I never knew there were so many reasons behind calling a ship as she. I enjoyed reading your style of writing too., and rated it up.
Hi, lex123. What a beautiful comment! Thank you for your visit and your gracious words and rating. Few things delight me more - except chocolate, of course - than knowing a reader has enjoyed what and how I write. You are obviously a person of distinction and perception. :)
I once spent four riotous years in the Royal Navy, and can remember during training being asked the question which gave birth to this hub. The answer was so boring that it is lost in the mists of time. Pity I didn't have somebody like you imparting the knowledge!!
I like Nimitz's explanation the best, because it is dangerously near the truth.
Okay, next project for you, why do the hairs on the back of my neck always stand up, when somebody looks me in the eye, and says "to tell the truth..."?
Welcome, Alan, absolutely delighted to see you here. So the Royal Navy was searching for the answer to this hub, too? I agree, that would have been a marvelous opportunity to underwhelm them all with all ten potential answers.
I'm looking forward to reading your hubs and getting to know you and your perspective.
Funny you should ask about your reaction to the response of "to tell the truth ..." Yes, I will write a hub about recognizing truth from fiction. It is something I've learned a lot about.
I guess No. 7 would be a logical explanation, but other reasons are definitely amusing explanations! Ha, ha, again! Nice hub!
Hi, vox vocis, what a classy name. Delighted you were amused, and yes, reason number seven does have merit. Since you appear to possess a logical mind, you would probably not be interested in a scholarship award to Fokk University (see my hub: "Fokk University.")
''Vox vocis'' is Latin and it means ''voice, word, power, right, authority''. Smart one, ha? Just checked out your ''Fokk Uni'' hub...I finished university a long time ago, but I wouldn't send my kid to Fokk :-) :-)
Aha, vox, you are a smart a**. My favorite kind of prospective student. Although you graduated a long time ago, it's never too late to begin your post-graduate career. We'll keep a light burning in the window - the only one that hasn't yet been broken, that is!
Veni, vidi, graduum!
Hi drbj That's a class hub full of info and the humour is brilliantly constructed. I love that kind of stuff.
Ships are shes' because, one, they are not Mastculin.
Two, the officers are not petty-coated.
Three shes' are not -ankers.
Four, two many men to be 'all a broad'.
Five, If the crew were half female there would be too much hanky planky.
Six, if women go to sea their folks ul complain.
Seven, you don't need female crew as there is already a purser.
Eight, ships can't be hes' because they'd be changing channels too much.
Nine if crews were half female there would be too many 'ocean blues'.
Ten if the ship and the crew was all male, who would make the cockswain?
Sorry about all those one liners. Cheers.
Oh, Ruby, thank you for visiting with these outrageous, original, observant one-liners. You are the greatest and I appreciate you.
BTW - #8 - ain't that the truth? And #10 - You naughty girl, you. :)
Hi i see your hub this is nice.If you want a best passenger side mirror please visit our site.
Thank you, sidemirror, for the "nice" comment. It appears that you have found your niche - passenger-side mirrors. Is there no demand for driver's side as well? Just wonderin'.
A very interesting info I learned today.
Thank you, David, for visiting. Delighted you learned some interesting information. Come back any time.
You may be interested to know that a ship being called a “she” is very much a western Europe / U.S. custom. In Russia and much of Arabic Asia, a ship is called “he”.
You may be interested to know that the author of the post is an illiterate Russophobe. In fact in German a ship (das Schiff) is "it", in French a ship is "he" as it is "le bateau", in Spanish and Italian a ship is he bastimento, but surprise, surprise in Russian and Czech (or other Slavic language) a ship as small vessel is actually ... she (lo? in Czech, lo? or ladia in Russia) while a big - from Greek korobos, a karabl is "he". In any case most Indo-European terminology that pertains to river naviation is shared and a small boat would usually be (nav-, lod-) she seafaring terminology is not shared (and in West European languages the ship is always he or it). English has not preserved grammatical gender so ship as she is an oddity (perhaps because it begins with sh-) because ... Russophobe sh*thead, the word for ship in Old English is scip and it in English it was not feminine but neuter.
I beg your pardon, roobit, but the author is a literate boorophobe, to say nothing of a literate churlophobe.
Loved the hub. I expected a couple of paragraphs, but you really covered every aspect. Thanks for the light hearted look and the in depth answers. Amazing creation!
Rated up and awesome.
What amazing perceptive qualities you have, tki, to recognize my 'amazing creation' and for appreciating my - love this line of yours - light hearted look and in depth answers. Delighted by your visit and that you enjoyed this hub and thanks forthe up and the awesome. You are invited to wander around my hubs any time, any place.
Awesome and interesting hub.A good question with a brilliant answer.Nice article and thanks a million for sharing.
Thank you, crystolite, for stopping by and the 'awesome' and 'interesting.' Oh, yes, and the 'brilliant' answer. You can visit and comment on my hubs any time!
You don't have to thank me either because it was entirely my pleasure.
EXCELLENT HUB :: drbj::
Informative and useful, It never even occurred in my mind to ask the question, this is great stuff and thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much, Leptirela (charming name) - how very nice to meet you, especially since you find this informative and useful (2 of my favorite descriptions).
Delighted you enjoyed it and the pleasure is all mine.
Overwhelming descriptions of 'SHE.' I think She is she because she intakes and delivers after some time. She was the only carrier from the historic age for coming back to overseas dearest ones. So, grateful people started to call it she as a sign of love for it.
Hi, upal. I like your description of a ship as 'she' which corresponds to #2 above. But you added an even more maternal description - she 'comes back to overseas dearest ones.' What a lovely way to describe her.
I will vote up. It was always my understanding that the ship was a 'she' because of the loneliness of a long sea voyage. Back in the days of sail women were not allowed to become sailors and so, barring the possibility of female passengers, there were no females. Under such circumstances it is understandable that the ship should become a 'she'. As you have pointed out, the men look after her and treat her right and, in turn, she gets them to where they are going and then she takes them home. Of course if you don't treat her right there's all hell to pay and you are likely to meet a watery fate.
Yes, I would also go along with the 'mother' image for a big cargo ship though a sloop might be considered a young and feisty female out for some fun.
The French consider a ship a he? No wonder they couldn't beat the British in the days of sail. A strange lot the French or at least they were back then.
Thanks, Rod, for the visit and the up vote. As you pointed out, there are myriad reasons why down through the ages most folks call a ship a she. So be it.
Interesting hub! Now, I know why ship called she.
Delighted to have enlightened you, jamie, thanks for stopping by. And graciously commenting.
She behaves like a woman: If you look after her, she will take care of you. If not, she will ditch you by www.customtermpaper.org.
Ship is called "She" because the bottom is always wet.
Interesting comment, Tom, but I have always believed that the behavior you describe is not confined to only one sex. Would you agree?
Inventive reasoning, Chinthaka, but totally and entirely specious.
I go along with Tom. I still think that lonely sailors missing female company has a lot to do with the ship being a she. Call it the romantic in me if you like.
I am delighted to call you a 'romantic,' Rod. There are way too few in our world today. Thanks for the return visit.
What an interesting hub, just about any of the reasons could be the real one, but in fact they all seem to apply. Great article! Voted Up and Awesome!
Another idea has crossed my mind. During the two greatest periods of the British navy a woman happened to be on the thrown. I am thinking of Elizabeth the First and also Queen Victoria. I would say that a British ship, whether a warship or a ship for commerce, would represent the British people because of the expense in building her and also representing the ruler of Britain because she is symbolic of Britain. Hence the ship is a SHE. There have been a few ships named after female British monarchs.
Nice to meet you, carcro. You are so right. Almost any of the scenarios I mentioned above could apply. Thank you for the up and awesome. Come back any old time.
Your idea was a stroke of genius, Rod, and another very good rationale for calling a ship a she - especially during the time when Britain ruled the waves and the monarch was of the feminine persuasion. Thanks for adding your inspiration.
.. like the answers . i agree, a ship must be treated as a lady or called a she ..... needs to be taken care off.
Thank you, phil, for stopping by and liking the answers to the question I posed. Yes, a ship does need to be taken care of - just like a lady. You do sound like a gentleman, sir.
There is also french guy who wants to know, thanks for aswaring my question
You are welcome, Nin. And give the French guy my regards.
its a very nice conversation Guys
Thank you for enjoying our very 'nice' conversation, kareem, join in any time. Gals are welcome, too.
you know i feel that all of u are cool
hey can any one here dance tecktonick
Question for you, kareem, from all us cool guys. Not sure about 'tecktonick.' Is there a video available to teach that dance? Just askin'.
sure their is on youtube write how to danse tecktonik
ah and author i want to know ur reallname if u dont mind ur thing helped me alot
Thank you for the info, kareem, I will check out the tecktonik video. My real name, since you asked, is bj - the dr is my title.
did you write any storie
Hi, kareem. I write several hubs or stories each month. If you want to get emails notifying you, click on 'Follow' on my profile page. Thanks for your interest.
author i tried to follow and i did the steps but when i write my username it says try other one and i do but it keeps saying another one
kareem - Are you using your email address where it says username? Try that to see if it will work.
thanks sure i will
Shil1978 Level 4 Commenter 22 months ago
WoW - who would've thought of a topic like this for a hub, but you drbj :)
It is one of those questions that you always wonder about, but never bother to dig deeper to find out. Must say most of my assumptions about why a ship is called a 'she' weren't off the mark by much!!
Thanks, drbj, for sharing this wonderful hub. Loved it!!