General
pollywog
What does pollywog mean?
A sailor who has never crossed the equator by ship and has not been initiated as a shellback; the target of good-natured hazing during the line-crossing ceremony.
"The pollywogs spent all morning getting hazed by the shellbacks."
Origin
Naval tradition, counterpart to 'shellback.'
Frequently asked questions
What is a pollywog in the Navy?
A sailor who has never crossed the equator by ship and hasn't yet been initiated as a shellback.
What happens to a pollywog?
During the line-crossing ceremony they undergo good-natured hazing, after which they become a 'shellback.'
What's the opposite of a pollywog?
A 'shellback' — a sailor who has already crossed the equator and been initiated.
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