General
anchor clanker
What does anchor clanker mean?
A slightly mocking term used by other services for a Navy sailor.
"A few anchor clankers wandered over from the destroyer."
Origin
US military slang, evoking a sailor rattling an anchor chain.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'anchor clanker' mean?
It's a mildly mocking nickname other services use for a US Navy sailor, from the image of a sailor rattling an anchor chain.
Who uses the term 'anchor clanker'?
It's typically used by members of other branches — like Army or Marines — ribbing the Navy, part of the good-natured inter-service rivalry.
Is 'anchor clanker' offensive?
It's teasing rather than a serious insult, the sort of nickname traded between the services.
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