"to make fast"

[sailingdog]

I can see that ending with Jason SWIMMING...

[AjariBonten]

I thought EVERYBODY knew the origin of the term, "Make Fast" ........

The term "Make Fast" is an old nautical term referring to line, or "rope" on pre-modern sailing vessels. Back when most rope was made of Hemp, it was common for the deck crew on long term voyages to chew on bits of rope to achieve a mild euphoroa; not unlike the effect that chewing coca had for ancient Inca at altitiude, greatly adding to their stamina and endurance of hardship. With rope being a vital commodity on early sailing vessels, and no small expense; this practise was forbidden, causing many sailors to sneak their portion from standing or running rigging on the sly.

It was not uncommon, upon inspection of a failed line, to find bite marks, or even the odd human tooth (Scurvy, don't you know) in the suspect line.

This led to the common admonition of officers to seamen to "Make A Fast Of That Line!" eventually economized to, "Make Fast That Line!"

- Capt. Fred's Three Strand Twisted Nautical Tales

[labatt]

Originally Posted by AjariBonten

I thought EVERYBODY knew the origin of the term, "Make Fast" ........


- Capt. Fred's Three Strand Twisted Nautical Tales

Dude... I was JUST about to say that!

[chucklesR]

I'll go with the Germanic root over the chewed line story.

Ditto with the Navy phase "Stand Fast" - as in "Stand fast there sailor" to stop a fight..
Meaning of course to "stand still, but vibrate with those little cartoon squiggles that show you are doing so quickly".
The real reason these terms were adopted was to confuse and confound non-sailors.

[AjariBonten]

Originally Posted by chucklesR

I'll go with the Germanic root over the chewed line story.

Dude, with a name like "chuckles" I thought you'd get it ...

That was my A,FOC entry

[citation34]

I think Giu fast-forwarded the 'make it fast' video.......

[RAGTIMEDON]

It is not just nautical terms that are confusing---I am so old I remember when "gay" meant happy, pot was to pee in, and a thread was used to sew your sails. This thing we call the English language is confusing to those of us who speak it from birth. I am in awe of our Portugese friend's understanding of this verbal mess, even though his boat is only made fast on the water, never to the dock!

[Rockter]

For "slow, not fast".... read.... "stopped not fast".

[jrd22]

"Make it fast" is the opposite of a term used by an old friend that was an Alaskan fisherman. He'd yell "tie 'er loose!" meaning to cast off the mooring lines. We liked it and named our boat that.

John

[pirateofcapeann]

One time my step-dad, Don A was workin with a friend Bill S, at the wreckin yard down the street from our place in Gloucester. They was filling in a swamp with one of Don’s dump trucks that Bill was driving while Don was running his backhoe. As Bill was backin up, Don saw that he was getting a bit close to the edge and not quite on target so he yells to Bill to “Go ahead then back up”! Well Bill heard it as “Go ahead and back up”!

Good thing the backhoe was around!

To “make fast” is to put a locking hitch on a cleat or belaying pin, not to be confused with the term “be-lay” which is to take a turn around the cleat or pin to hold against the strain , but still allow for easing adjustment.

…and, yea, I’m still around, making sure you blokes stays out of trouble.

PS: Good on ya Giu!