Jack-tar
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A man who serves as a sailor; a seaman. This is a traditional, somewhat informal term for a sailor, often used in historical or literary contexts.
Usage
The word "jack-tar" is used as a countable noun to refer to an individual sailor. It is an old-fashioned term that evokes the image of a classic seafarer.
Examples
- The old stories were full of adventures experienced by a brave jack-tar.
- In the 18th century, a jack-tar's life was hard and dangerous.
- The museum exhibit featured the personal letters of a jack-tar from the age of sail.
Advanced Usage
- The term is often hyphenated ("jack-tar") but can also be found as a closed compound ("jacktar") or as two separate words ("Jack Tar"), especially when used as a nickname or a personification of sailors as a group.
- "Jack Tar" was a common figure in naval ballads.
Variants and Related Words
- Tar (noun): A shortened, even more informal version of "jack-tar."
- An old tar sat in the corner of the pub, telling sea stories.
- Jack (noun, historical): When used in a nautical context, "Jack" can informally refer to a sailor, as in the phrase "every man jack," meaning every single sailor or man.
Synonyms
- Sailor
- Seaman
- Mariner
- Seafarer
- Bluejacket (specifically for a navy enlisted sailor)
Idioms
- Jack Tar: This is the primary form of the idiom, representing the typical sailor.
- The policy was designed to improve the welfare of the common Jack Tar.
Noun
- a man who serves as a sailor