How Do You Spell JACKTAR?

Pronunciation: [d͡ʒˈaktə] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "jacktar" is a bit unusual, but it refers to a slang term for a sailor or seaman. The word is spelled phonetically, with the "jack" portion pronounced like "jak" and the "tar" portion pronounced like "tahr." In IPA transcription, this would be written as /ˈdʒæk.tɑr/. The origins of the word are unclear, but it is believed to have come from a combination of "Jack," a common name for sailors, and "tar," a nod to the tar used on ships.

JACKTAR Meaning and Definition

1. A jacktar is a noun referring to a sailor or seaman, particularly one who serves in the navy. The term originates from combining the words "jack" and "tar." "Jack" is a common nickname for a man or a sailor, whereas "tar" refers to the black, sticky substance used to coat and seal the wooden hulls of ships. The union of these terms conjures an image of a seaman who has been covered in tar, speaking to the occupation's connection to naval duties.

   A jacktar is often associated with someone skilled in maritime work, navigating the vast waters of the world and proficiently carrying out various duties aboard a ship. They are known for their resilience, adaptability, and expertise in sailing and seamanship. Jacktars are well-versed in ship maintenance, rigging, navigation, and other essential tasks required for the smooth operation of a vessel. They are often characterized by their distinctive attire, typically sporting a navy blue uniform, complete with notable insignia indicating their rank and service branch.

   The term can also carry a connotation of camaraderie and a strong community spirit, as sailors often form tight-knit groups due to the shared challenges and dangers faced at sea. Additionally, the use of the term "jacktar" may invoke nostalgia for the maritime traditions and historical significance that seafaring has contributed to the world over the centuries.

Common Misspellings for JACKTAR

• hacktar
• nacktar
• macktar
• kacktar
• iacktar
• uacktar
• jzcktar
• jscktar
• jwcktar
• jqcktar
• jaxktar
• javktar
• jafktar
• jadktar
• jacjtar
• jacmtar
• jacltar
• jacotar
• jacitar

Etymology of JACKTAR

The word "jacktar" is a colloquial term for sailors in the British Royal Navy. Its etymology derives from a combination of two words: "jack" and "tar".

The term "jack" was a common nickname for a generic sailor or seaman in British naval slang dating back to at least the 17th century. It likely originated from the use of the name "Jack" as a generic term for a common man or a representative of the working class.

The word "tar" refers to the black tar-like substance used to waterproof the sails and rigging of ships. Sailors often worked with this substance, giving them a characteristic tar-stained appearance. As a result, they were commonly referred to as "tars" in naval slang.

Combining these two terms, "jacktar" emerged as a colloquialism specifically referring to sailors in the British Royal Navy.