In this episode, we explore the influence of seafaring on the English language in the early 1600s. We also look at events in the latter half of the 1620s, which included the first permanent English settlements in the Caribbean. This period saw the arrival of Charles I as the new king of England and Scotland, so we also examine his early reign and his repeated conflicts with Parliament.
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Fun fact: two sons of a Barbary Coast Corsair settled in New Amsterdam. Anthony and Abraham Jansen Van Salee were the sons of Jan Jaszoon, a Dutch privateer turned pirate who was the first leader of the city-state of Sale in present-day Morocco. Both of his sons have thousands of descendants, including the Vanderbilts and Jackie Kennedy Onassis. Oh, and me—Anthony was my 11th great-grandfather. He is thought to have been the first Muslim colonist in what became the US.
Fascinating! Thanks for the story.
The novels of Patrick O’Brien are a fantastic entry into the language of sailing. On a different note, this episode brought me back to my childhood games of tag. Along with the usual cries of “It!” And “Not it!”, we would yell “No flying colors!” When “It’s” swipe at a target only contacted loose clothing. I grew up near Boston and my family was many generations on Cape Cod, so I may be a candidate for the CANOE society.
Etymology-enthusiasts always have to watch out for CANOEs. 🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed the episode.
‘The novels of Patrick O’Brien are a fantastic entry into the language of sailing’
Yes they are, and also a wonderful window into the argots of the various classes and localities and occupations of Napoleonic War era Britain and beyond. O’Brian steeped himself in the log books and naval journals of the time, but also people’s letters, official reports, magazines and the novels, especially Jane Austen.
I’m sure you would agree that apart from being a great page-turning read, the Aubrey-Maturin canon would be a fine resource for our host here as he nears that period.
Well, I must show a leg and cut along, wittles is up. There is not a moment to be lost, things are all ahoo after the recent festivities. We kicked up Bob’s a-dying and now my wits are sadly astray. I am quite hipped and low in my spirits and I have been cursed snappish. I blame the falling damps, the marthambles or perhaps the strong fives but the plum duff and figgy dowdy and, I make no doubt, the doubling of the grog ration played Old Harry with me.
I am tolerably sharp-set but the first mate knows what o’clock it is and has roused out the toasted cheese and the coffee, hot and hot! It sets you up amazingly, all a-tanto and ship-shape and Bristol-fashion, better than any amount of steel and bark, or even slime draught, upon my word and honour!
So, confusion to your enemies and bumpers all round, and no heel taps!
Excellent as always Kevin. Not sure about the word ‘paddy’ though. Here in the U.K. we would say ‘paddy field’ to distinguish the term from Paddy as in a term for an Irish person or ‘in a paddy’ to be fraught. I have never heard a paddy field referred to as just paddy, it has always been qualified.
Again, excellent Kevin and many thanks for all your hard work.
I read ‘by and large’ has nautical origin.
All I can say, Kevin, is that I do like the cut of your jib.