General
swabbie
What does swabbie mean?
A Navy sailor; from the traditional shipboard chore of swabbing (mopping) the deck.
"Ask a swabbie, they know every deck on that ship."
Origin
U.S. Navy; from 'swab,' the deck mop.
Frequently asked questions
What is a "swabbie"?
It is a nickname for a Navy sailor, drawn from the traditional shipboard chore of swabbing, or mopping, the deck.
Where does the word come from?
It comes from "swab," the deck mop, referencing a classic sailor's task.
Is "swabbie" insulting?
It is casual and jokey rather than harsh, though its tone depends on who says it and how.
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