Shanghaied: meaning, definitions and examples
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shanghaied
[ʃæŋˈhaɪd ]
Definition
Context #1 | Verb
forced service
To shanghai someone means to force them into a situation, typically involving the act of kidnapping or coercion into naval service. This term originated in the 19th century during the time of oceanic trade and exploration.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He was shanghaied while trying to leave the port.
- Many sailors were shanghaied against their will.
- They shanghaied recruits for the merchant ship.
- She felt shanghaied into taking on extra work.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The term comes from the city of Shanghai in China, where it was common for sailors to be recruited against their will in the 19th century.
- Originally used in the West to refer specifically to the coercive recruitment of sailors, the word became popular in the 1860s.
- It’s believed that the word might be derived from the word 'junk,' referring to small ships manned by coerced crews.
Historical Context
- In the 19th and early 20th centuries, many sailors faced 'shanghaied' fates as crews were often short on able-bodied men.
- This practice was often linked to the rise of the American merchant marine, where seamen were needed swiftly due to high demand.
- The forced recruitment could include drugging sailors or trickery, illustrating the desperation of the maritime industry of the time.
Pop Culture
- The concept of being shanghaied has been featured in various movies, books, and songs, often romanticizing the idea of swashbuckling adventures at sea.
- In literature, the term is commonly associated with pirates and the rough life of maritime workers, adding to its dramatic flair.
- Notable works such as 'The Sea-Wolf' by Jack London explore themes of coercion and survival at sea, echoing the shanghaied experience.
Psychology
- Being shanghaied taps into fears of loss of control and autonomy, which can resonate with anyone facing coercive situations.
- The term can be used metaphorically in modern contexts to describe situations where people feel trapped or manipulated into commitments.
- This concept may also illustrate broader societal issues related to exploitation and human trafficking.
Legal Aspects
- The practice of shanghaing blurred legal boundaries in terms of labor rights and maritime laws during its peak.
- Laws were eventually implemented in various countries to prevent coercive recruitment practices, recognizing the rights of seafarers.
- Modern legal frameworks continue to address human trafficking and forced labor, reflecting historical precedents like shanghaied recruitment.