sea lawyer

/'si:'lɔ:jə/

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Word: Sea Lawyer

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition:

A "sea lawyer" is a term used to describe a sailor or seaman who is overly argumentative or contentious, often about rules, regulations, or legal matters related to maritime life. This person tends to make a big deal out of small issues and can be quite difficult to deal with because they like to argue.

Usage Instructions:

• The term is mostly used informally and can be somewhat humorous.
• It's used to describe someone who is not just a sailor but someone who likes to argue about rules or legalities, often in a way that seems unnecessary.

Example Sentences:

1. "Every time we set sail, John becomes a sea lawyer, questioning every little regulation."
2. "The captain warned us about the sea lawyer on board who would argue about the ship's procedures."

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced contexts, "sea lawyer" can refer to someone who knows the law very well but applies it in a way that is overly pedantic or nitpicky, especially in maritime settings.

Word Variants:

• Sea Law: Refers to the laws governing maritime activities, which is related but not the same as "sea lawyer."

Different Meanings:

While "sea lawyer" primarily describes a contentious sailor, it may also be used metaphorically to describe anyone who argues about minor details in any profession, not just in maritime contexts.

Synonyms:

• Argumentative sailor
• Contentious seaman
• Pedantic mariner

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

There are no widely recognized idioms or phrasal verbs specifically related to "sea lawyer," but you might encounter phrases like "argue over trifles," which captures the essence of what a sea lawyer does.

Conclusion:

In summary, a "sea lawyer" is a sailor who enjoys arguing about rules and regulations, often making situations more complicated than they need to be.

Academic

Noun

1. an argumentative and contentious seaman