General
shellback
What does shellback mean?
A sailor who has crossed the equator on a ship and gone through the line-crossing ceremony — the messy, theatrical initiation rite presided over by 'King Neptune.' Before the ceremony you're a slimy pollywog; after, you're a Trusty Shellback with a certificate to prove it. Take it seriously enough that sailors keep their cards for life.
"He pulled out his shellback card at the bar like it was a Black Amex."
Origin
Centuries-old naval tradition — the line-crossing ceremony dates to at least the 1700s. A 'pollywog' becomes a 'shellback' after the initiation rites administered by King Neptune's court.
Frequently asked questions
What does shellback mean?
A shellback is a sailor who has crossed the equator and gone through the traditional line-crossing ceremony.
How do you use shellback in a sentence?
"He's a proper shellback now — crossed the line last deployment."
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