2006-10-07 23:00:14 · 8 answers · asked by lissie 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
I was told by someone in the military that it was called that because it was always placed at the head of the ship for sanitary reasons. Apparently they let the ocean water splash in and clean it out for them, which would not happen if it were placed anywhere else. So on long ocean journeys they never had to empty it, they just let the ocean do it for them.
2006-10-08 00:33:56 · answer #1 · answered by Jeannie 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The term comes from the days of sailing ships when the place for the crew to relieve themselves was all the way forward on either side of the bowsprit, the integral part of the hull to which the figurehead was fastened.
In the days of sailing vessels, there wasn't any indoor plumbing on land or at sea. Sailors took care of business while hanging over the edge of the ship by ropes or on a platform - always at the bow.
Why the bow? Because sailing ships had to have the wind coming from behind them to power their sails. Thus, if the sailor chose the stern, or back of the ship, the wind would be coming toward him. And, well ... you wouldn't *spit* into the wind, would you?
2006-10-09 07:42:08 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
american's do not as a whole, however those that have been in the United States Navy - or in other divisions of the armed services that served with them - or often their family will call it the head - thats is what it's call on the US Naval Ships.
2006-10-08 06:06:52 · answer #3 · answered by Marysia 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It's usually used by military personnel, Navy, Coast Guard. I guess it's cause the bathrooms were usually near the bow or head of the ship.
2006-10-08 06:11:01 · answer #4 · answered by Kainoa 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It was called "The Head', because of the position it was in on the ship, by all seafaring people. Ever heard of 'The Long Drop'? That being a hole in the ground, where ever you can.
2006-10-08 06:12:24 · answer #5 · answered by God all Mighty 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Only people in (or were in) the Navy and the Marines do.
2006-10-08 20:55:06 · answer #6 · answered by The Doctor 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
MEN on Naval ships came up with that one!! Go figure since they think often with their "head". lol
2006-10-08 06:24:37 · answer #7 · answered by tamara.knsley@sbcglobal.net 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
coz Bush is the head of USA so they call it the head im remembrance of Bush
2006-10-08 06:23:51 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋