Did You Know?

[TerryS]

Stranger Than fiction

Manure: In the 16th and 17th centuries, everything had to be
transported by ship and it was also before commercial fertilizer's invention, so large
shipments of manure were common.

It was shipped dry, because in dry form it weighed a lot less than when
wet, but once water (at sea) hit it, it not only became heavier, but the
process of fermentation began again, of which a by product is methane gas.
As the stuff was stored below decks in bundles you can see what could (and
did) happen.

Methane began to build up below decks and the first time someone came
below at night with a lantern, BOOOOM!

Several ships were destroyed in this manner before it was determined
just what was happening.

After that, the bundles of manure were always stamped with the term
"Ship High In Transit" on them, which meant for the sailors to stow it high
enough off the lower decks so that any water that came into the hold would not
touch this volatile cargo and start the production of methane.

Thus evolved the term "S.H.I.T " , (Ship High In Transport) which has
Come down through the centuries and is in use to this very day.

You probably did not know the true history of this word.

Neither did I.

I had always thought it was a golf term.

[Disco]

It is a golf term. It also describes how I play golf.

[Series 3 guy]

Ya learn something new every day!!! I am so going to act like i'm clever at work tomorrow and show off how smart I am with my new found knowledge!!Cheers Terry!!!

[John]

That was interesting.
I like to find out the meaning of phrases too and quite a few relate to old shipping terms:
3 square meals = plates on board ship were cut square so that they could stack safetly when not in use.
No room to swing a cat = if there was to be a flogging with the Cat 0'Nine Tails (a very cruel type of whip) it had to be done on deck as there was not enough room below decks to give the poor sailor a good flogging.
Have you heard of the word "Palarva" as in "what a bloody palarva". I have often wondered where this came from.

[jozg44]

I know this one is discredited by some, but I like it, and it's another ship-related one:

The term 'posh' for one who is exceedingly wealthy is said to derive from the 19th century during the days of the British Raj in India.

The Viceroys, governors and other officials, normally aristocrats appointed by the Crown, had to travel out by ship, of course, in a hot, humid climate.

Of course, the journey is roughly east-west going to India, and west-east coming back. This meant that unless they were on the equator, one side of the ship would always be in relative shade, and thus be cooler.

This would be the Port side on the outward voyage, the Starboard side on the return.

Those with enough money could reserve cabins on the cooler side of the ship for both trips, thus the expression 'Port Out, Starboard Home'= POSH.

Jack

[Funrover]

Wow....never looked that into it....Now I know more of the useless information that I love....... That is actually quie impressive.....

[01001010]

anyone know what the dot over the lowercase "i" is called?...hehe

[DallasRover]

Originally Posted by 01001010

anyone know what the dot over the lowercase "i" is called?...hehe

Ummmmmmmmmmm.......Dot?

[01001010]

lol...nope, it actually has a name...The Tittle..lol

[Funrover]

So if SH!T it transported on top...is that why the guys full of...... are on the top floors of a building? LOL

[DallasRover]

Originally Posted by Funrover

So if SH!T it transported on top...is that why the guys full of...... are on the top floors of a building? LOL

[keptin]

wow, thats very interesting. I thought the word was older then that, though 500 years is pretty old. Even so, thats neat info.

[DISCO INCUBUS]

Originally Posted by TerryS

Stranger Than fiction

Manure: In the 16th and 17th centuries, everything had to be
transported by ship and it was also before commercial fertilizer's invention, so large
shipments of manure were common.

It was shipped dry, because in dry form it weighed a lot less than when
wet, but once water (at sea) hit it, it not only became heavier, but the
process of fermentation began again, of which a by product is methane gas.
As the stuff was stored below decks in bundles you can see what could (and
did) happen.

Methane began to build up below decks and the first time someone came
below at night with a lantern, BOOOOM!

Several ships were destroyed in this manner before it was determined
just what was happening.

After that, the bundles of manure were always stamped with the term
"Ship High In Transit" on them, which meant for the sailors to stow it high
enough off the lower decks so that any water that came into the hold would not
touch this volatile cargo and start the production of methane.

Thus evolved the term "S.H.I.T " , (Ship High In Transport) which has
Come down through the centuries and is in use to this very day.

You probably did not know the true history of this word.

Neither did I.

I had always thought it was a golf term.

I must say you really know your shit.
NYUK NYUK

[Disco]

There's no need to go to Uni, everything a person needs to know to get through life can be found right here in this forum. Stuff that, when you tell your friends, relatives and strangers about, will leave them flabbergasted. That's why I spend so much time here. "I think my medication is wearing off."

[Funrover]

Originally Posted by Disco

There's no need to go to Uni, everything a person needs to know to get through life can be found right here in this forum. Stuff that, when you tell your friends, relatives and strangers about, will leave them flabbergasted. That's why I spend so much time here. "I think my medication is wearing off."

This site is my medication....