Why are people from Portsmouth nicknamed Skates?

Question

I have heard of the dirty reason, regarding flat fish genitalia and its resemblence to human female genitalia. But I am interested in finding out the real reason.

I know that what the locals call sailors, but I am enquiring as to why do they call them Skates?

But am I wrong in thinking that in the days of sail many women were on board as doctors assistants, powder monkeys etc so why do a fish. And I sorry, not meant as an insult to you but I am from Southampton.

Sorry I asked the wrong question. What I should have said is "Were did the nickname Skate come from when refering to Royal Navy mattelo's

Answer 1

think you'll find that is what the locals there call sailors.

it's used as an insult. i think it's because of what you say about the shape of the fish and what sailors do with it at sea...allegedly. i never did. and wouldn't admit it if i had.

for the record i was in the royal navy for 11yrs and was called it on more than one occasion. can i just point out that the nickname for sailor is "matelot"

Answer 2

A nickname given by Southampton F.C. fans to a Portsmouth F.C. supporter

Portsmouth supporters often refer to Southampton supporters as "Scum," or "Scummers," an epithet since adopted by supporters of a number of other clubs when referring to their local rivals. According to Portsmouth fans, the "scum" actually developed out of an acronym standing for 'Southampton City Union Men', with the term allegedly originating from when Southampton dockyard workers crossed the picket lines in the 1930s when Portsmouth dockyard workers were on strike. This story, however, is unlikely, as the two cities rely on entirely different types of ports - Southampton, a merchant port, and Portsmouth, a naval port. There is also no known record of any strike occurring during the mentioned time period. Rather, this seems to be a modern attempt to incorrectly describe the origins of the rivalry.

Southampton supporters have taken to referring to their local rivals as "Skates". This is a derisive term used to describe sailors, as Portsmouth is the home of the Royal Navy.

Answer 3

Well, I'm sorry to have to say it, but the dirty reason is the true one.
Skates were used - I'm talking about the days of sail here, when sailors were away at sea for months at a time - to relieve sexual frustration.
Distasteful but accurate.
PS!!!!!!!!
I've just re-read the question. It is not people from Portsmouth in general, but specifically sailors to whom the term 'skates' refers

PPS. Secondary answer.

True about the women (sometimes) being on board - and 'I don't know' is the answer to your subsidiary question.

I do know why it's cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey. (Nothing to do with metallic primates). But that's a different Q

Answer 4

Southampton Fc Nickname

Answer 5

It is accurate that Saints and Pompey fans call each other by those terms but I m not convinced that this is the original rivalry to use this word. The very first team to be called "Scum" was Leeds United way back in the early 70 s. Leeds were first called "Dirty Leeds" by all and sundry but in around 1972 they quickly became known as "The Scum". This insult was used by clubs up and down the country to describe Englands most hated club under Don Revie.

Answer 6

A skate is a fish with no backbone. Somebody who is said to have no backbone is a feeble person. It's an insult . Many scraps iv'e had with Pompy locals when I was in the Navy.