The spelling of "blue water" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), which represents the sounds of spoken language. In IPA, "blue" is spelled /bluː/, with the "u" representing the long vowel sound, and the "e" at the end is silent. "Water" is spelled /ˈwɔːtər/, with the "a" representing the "aw" sound, and the "e" at the end is pronounced as a schwa sound. The spelling of "blue water" accurately reflects the pronunciation of these words in English.
Blue water is a term primarily used in the field of naval and maritime affairs to refer to open, deep oceans or seas that are far away from any land masses. It describes the vast expanses of undisturbed, unobstructed waters with no visual limitations caused by nearby shores or shallow depths. The term "blue water" is derived from the distinct deep blue color that these open waters often possess, as opposed to the comparatively lighter shades of coastal waters that are influenced by sedimentation, pollution, or other environmental factors.
In naval strategy, "blue water" operations involve the deployment of naval forces over long distances in open waters, with a focus on power projection, global reach, and the ability to sustain operations far from home bases. Blue water navies possess the capabilities and assets necessary for extended periods of operations in these vast and often challenging environments, including aircraft carriers, long-range surface warships, submarines, and support vessels.
Furthermore, the term "blue water" is also used metaphorically in other contexts. For instance, in finance and economics, "blue water" strategies refer to long-term investment approaches that are not influenced by short-term market fluctuations or local circumstances. Similarly, in environmental discussions, "blue water" may be used to distinguish between freshwater (rivers, lakes) and saltwater (oceans, seas) resources.
The word "blue water" has a relatively straightforward etymology. "Blue" comes from the Old English word "blǣwen", which originally referred to the color blue. The word "water" can be traced back to the Old English word "wæter". Over time, the two words were combined to form the term "blue water", which typically signifies clear or open water that appears blue in color.