2006-08-11 04:08:40 · 5 answers · asked by mark_wheland 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Trivia
The real answer to this question is that it did get the name from the head of the ship...but the reason it was called the head of a ship was because ancient ships all the way up to the pirates in the 18th century had large elaborate carvings on the front of their ships, usually a god or some other creature....with the head making up the very front of the boat.
2006-08-11 07:25:41 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Because of hazing rituals, where heads were pushed in the toilets. Also where they puked from drinking too much or eating bad food.
I believe it was actually at the front of "head" of the ship.
Peace.
2006-08-11 11:33:44 · answer #2 · answered by Polly 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An old sailor told me something about it being a throwback to the days when the place where sailors relieved themselves wasn't completely enclosed: you could see their heads over the top. Then again, another old sailor said something about having to stay aboard to polish the anchor instead of going on leave.
2006-08-11 11:23:25 · answer #3 · answered by kittybriton 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
According to etymonline.com:
meaning "toilet" is from 1748, based on location of crew toilet in the bow (or head) of a ship.
2006-08-11 12:15:33 · answer #4 · answered by pynkbyrd 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Don't know but I know what is done on the poop deck!
2006-08-11 11:14:39 · answer #5 · answered by Gone fishin' 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋