I found it in several novels and never understood it..
2007-09-07 02:29:58 · 6 answers · asked by simonetta 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
I think it's just a general term of respect for the ship: respecting it because it brought you home safely in the past and you hope it will do so again. Like in the Senate they always say "I yield the floor to the Senator from the great state of Iowa." It doesn't mean you particularly think Iowa a great state (although I have nothing against Iowa); it is just a sign of respect for the state and its people.
There might be a little superstition mixed in there: if I am respectful to the ship, maybe it will be good to me in the future. Sailors have not traditionally been the most religious of folks (at least, not if the religion is Christianity), but superstitions enough certainly prevailed.
2007-09-07 03:02:07 · answer #1 · answered by Gary B 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is not only used for ships also for other things as a sign of respect. Like "good company" , "good city" etc.
2007-09-09 16:17:51 · answer #2 · answered by Leprechaun 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To differentiate them from the Great ships.
2007-09-07 09:48:27 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is a very good adjective to use to describe a ship.
I live in the good country of Canada.
2007-09-07 11:43:38 · answer #4 · answered by Don Verto 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
cause it's not a bad ship? Like a pirate ship?
2007-09-07 09:51:15 · answer #5 · answered by Goddess of Grammar 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
It hasn't sunk, so it's a good ship. lol - sorry. I don't really know the answer to that one.
2007-09-07 09:42:03 · answer #6 · answered by Panama 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋