Why do people say," like a drunken sailor"?

Question

This is a cruel phase. My bf is in the Navy and he says when he hears this phase it hurts...."someone" is spending money like a drunken sailor.

Answer 1

Drunken Sailor is a famous traditional sea shanty also known as What Shall We Do with a Drunken Sailor? Drunken Sailor was a sea shanty (work song) often sung when raising a sail or raising the anchor, which is the reference for “Up She Rises” in the song’s chorus. Such songs were the only ones allowed in the Royal Navy. Most often, only two or three verses were sung but verses were often added until the task was completed.

Answer 2

Hold on... I'll be right back!

I'm back.

For the most part the phrase is said as a joke; not to be taken so hard as you suggest. I hope that your boyfriend is not actually emotionally disturbed by being called a 'drunken sailor' (sticks and stones etc...) The reason I write that is because I hope that anyone in the US Navy these days should be able to deal with such frivolous mud slinging.

There was a time when many service-members (not just 'swabbies') abused alcohol and other drugs. It was a kind of behavior that was not officially condoned but was protected and allowed. It was indeed the kind of behavior that was expected; getting drunk was like a fringe benefit, a way for a quick escape, from a thankless, often low paying and boring duty far away from home.

But enough of fond memories!

Much of what was written by the others here is true about the work-song and such. But, I think the phrase (not phase) is really more like the act of someone giving a pat on his back for rolling up his sleeves going in front and helping his country instead of persuing the life of a wimpy yuppie!

Answer 3

He's hurt by that? Then he's too sensitive. Really. Drunken sailors aren't known for their decorum. Besides, what I've typically heard is that people SWEAR " like a drunken sailor" or do other crude things but not spend money. As long as your BF is not a DRUNKEN sailor who acts any sort of negative way, what's the problem?

Answer 4

Baloney. Long after your boyfriend has passed from the scene, drunken sailors will long remain a Navy Institution. Assuming the Navy is allowed to continue. You've never seen those guys, have you?

Answer 5

OH MY GOSH...it bothers him to hear that? Ha ha, what a weenie no wonder he chose the Navy. (No offense), usually that term is used for swearing..."swearing like a drunken sailor". It is a term that has to do with older times when sailors were rough and tough pirate like men (not today's sensitive eared sailors) and I guess you could apply anything that is out of hand to a "drunken sailor". Drunken sailors from the past of course.

Answer 6

It's a saying from a very long time ago, sailors have been known to swear and drink a lot. I don't think it was meant to offend anyone in the Navy.

Answer 7

Well I understand why he would be upset, but this phrase is a very old one, from when sailors were big, mean drunks. Nowadays, however, sailors get in trouble if they posess alcohol products.
Your boyfriend can relax; it's only a figure of speech.

Answer 8

Because when ships stop at Ports around the world after being at sea for months; sailors spend money like water... on women and booze..

Answer 9

when a sailor goes on shore (usually after weeks or months at sea) he is usually looking to have a GOOD time. consequently, he is willing to spend his money liberally to garner as much PLEASURE as he possibly can before boarding his ship again. saiolrs are apt to wine and dine the opposite sex, have too many drinks, perform unusual behavior (getting a tattoo, not practicing safe sex, etc), all for the pleasure and joy it brings.

Answer 10

Sailors are on the sea for extended periods of time and when the make port....they go to extremes in everything....including drinking.