Landlubber: meaning, definitions and examples
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landlubber
[ ˈlændˌlʌbər ]
nautical term
The term 'landlubber' refers to someone who is inexperienced or unfamiliar with the sea or sailing. This term is often used in a somewhat derogatory manner by sailors to describe those who prefer the comforts of land and lack sailing skills. Landlubbers may appear awkward or out of place on a boat, and their lack of nautical knowledge can lead to humorous or complicated situations. The word emphasizes the contrast between seasoned mariners and novices who are not accustomed to life on the water.
Synonyms
greenhorn, inexperienced sailor, land lover, novice, rookie
Examples of usage
- As a landlubber, I struggled to find my sea legs.
- The sailors poked fun at the landlubber who couldn't tie a proper knot.
- She felt like a landlubber during her first boat ride.
- The captain avoided bringing a landlubber on long voyages.
- Landlubbers are often surprised by the challenges of sailing.
Translations
Translations of the word "landlubber" in other languages:
🇵🇹 marinheiro inexperiente
🇮🇳 जमीनी व्यक्ति
🇩🇪 Landratte
🇮🇩 penjaga darat
🇺🇦 сухопутний житель
🇵🇱 gruntownik
🇯🇵 陸の住人
🇫🇷 terrestre
🇪🇸 tierra
🇹🇷 karasal
🇰🇷 육지인
🇸🇦 مقيم على اليابسة
🇨🇿 pevninský
🇸🇰 pevninský
🇨🇳 陆地人
🇸🇮 kopneni
🇮🇸 landkall
🇰🇿 жер үсті
🇬🇪 მიწის ადამიანი
🇦🇿 quru adam
🇲🇽 tierra
Etymology
The term 'landlubber' originates from the late 16th century, tracing back to the English words 'land' and 'lubber.' The word 'lubber' itself was used to describe a lazy or clumsy person. In a nautical context, 'landlubber' emerged as a playful and somewhat derisive term applied to those who did not share the sailor's love for the sea. Sailors, whose lives were intricately tied to the ocean, often looked down upon those who remained on land and had little understanding of sea-life. The use of 'landlubber' reflects the longstanding divide between the experienced seafarer and the inexperienced land dweller, and it continues to have relevance in maritime culture today. Over the years, its usage has broadened to describe anyone who is unfamiliar with or unskilled in a particular area, further solidifying its place in language as a term denoting ineptness in unfamiliar environments.