Flotsam and jetsam refers to two distinct categories of floating debris that are often found in bodies of water, such as rivers, oceans, or lakes.
Flotsam refers to items that have been floating on the water's surface as a result of a shipwreck, accident, or deliberate jettisoning. These items can include wreckage, cargo, or any other objects that were lost or abandoned at sea. Flotsam usually refers to items of value or use, such as timber, barrels, or ship parts that might be salvageable.
Jetsam, on the other hand, specifically refers to items deliberately thrown overboard from a ship or boat in order to lighten the load or improve the vessel's stability. Unlike flotsam, jetsam can refer to items intentionally discarded rather than lost or abandoned. Jetsam often includes items like unneeded supplies, old equipment, or damaged goods that are no longer useful to the vessel.
Together, flotsam and jetsam encompass the entire range of floating debris found in bodies of water, representing both accidental and intentional discards. They can be discovered floating at sea or washed ashore onto beaches, where they may be collected, salvaged, or discarded as waste. The term is often used metaphorically to describe people or things that are considered worthless or discarded, often in the context of a larger surrounding situation.
