Definition

1. Noun:
   • A young male member of a navy: "sailor boy" refers specifically to a young man or boy who serves as an enlisted serviceman in a naval force.

Usage

• The term "sailor boy" is a somewhat dated or informal compound noun. It is used to refer to a young sailor, often with a connotation of youth or inexperience. It is typically used in narrative, poetic, or colloquial contexts rather than in formal military language.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The old sea shanty told the tale of a lonely sailor boy far from home.
  • She waved goodbye to the young sailor boy as his ship departed.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used affectionately or nostalgically. It may sometimes carry a slightly romanticized or sentimental tone when describing a young man's life at sea.

Variants and Related Words

• Sailor (noun): A person who works or serves on a ship, especially one below the rank of officer. This is the standard, more common term.
• Bluejacket (noun): An informal term for an enlisted sailor in the navy.
• Seaman (noun): A generic term for a sailor, especially one skilled in seamanship.

Synonyms

• Seaman: A sailor, especially one with specific maritime skills.
• Mariner: A person who navigates or assists in navigating a ship.
• Tar: An old-fashioned, informal term for a sailor.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "Son of a gun": This idiom, often used affectionately, historically originated as a term for a boy born on a ship, often to a sailor. It can sometimes be used to refer to a sailor boy or any fellow.
  • That brave sailor boy is a true son of a gun.

Noun

1. a serviceman in the navy