Dictionary of Naval Abbreviations.

Dictionary of Naval Terms Deborah W. Cutler/Thomas J. Cutler US Naval Institute Press

Once one understands the CSWR of these two reference tools one finds that more time can be found to fly the bean rag and less is spent on searching for the correct terms and abbreviations to explain naval activity. The husband-and-wife Cutler team has compiled two must-have collections of current US naval jargon to inform, educate and, at times, amuse the reader and researcher. Words and phrases such as 'brightwork', 'lazy jack' and the sailor's favourite 'splice the mainbrace' are all defined and explained in the "Naval Terms" edition (which is pictured)--thankfully, as the tongue of the sailor is a language in its own right. Appearing in the "Naval Abbreviations" dictionary is 'Feron', which translates to: If transferred, forward this directive immediately to his commanding officer for compliance or further transmittal as appropriate, notifying originator in each case the activity to which transferred and your action if forwarding". One can begin to appreciate the necessity of the conciseness and brevity of naval abbreviations when explanations such as the one above are discovered. This reference duo sheds light on the somewhat 'foreign' jargon of the seafarer, therefore, 'unodir', one who is involved with this language, or someone on 'seadu', should keep these two books close at hand.

Notes: CSWR = conversation specifications and work requirements, bean rag = pennant flag signifying crew is having a meal, splice the mainbrace means the officially-sanctioned serving of liquor onboard, unodir = unless otherwise directed, seadu = sea duty.