Today I was doing my daily chore / duty of taking a trip to the Coop Supermarket to get the luchtime supplies in. On the way through the shortcut, I smelt the unmistakeable smell of diesel fuel burning in a well-tuned engine. This was obviously a mistake because there were no trucks anywhere to be seen. When diesel fuel is burnt correctly, the smell is almost sweet and has a very distinctive "taste". I actually like the smell because it makes me think of those salad days onboard navy warships steaming through the open ocean.
I was rugged up against the bitter European winter and the smell took me straight back to the quarterdeck of a frigate in the middle of the Indian ocean. I was standing there in my grey coveralls, talking with my shipmates and sucking in the "freshers"*. The ironic part is that the freshers on the quarterdeck was always full of diesel exhaust and cooking smells from the galley ventilation. We loved it nonetheless.
* Freshers is navy slang for fresh air. Almost any word can be "navy-ised" by adding 'ers' to it.
e.g. Sippers? Translation: Can I have a sip of your drink?
Steppers. Translation: Civilian clothing (one "steps" acrossthe gangway when going ashore, more often than not, in civilian clothing for a night out.)
Try it yourself - it will make you feel all salty and nautical.
If you want to learn how sailors have spoken since Nelson's time, check out this RN page.
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7 comments:
I am laughing so much at Jonathan's comment that it hurts.
Takes you straight back to the newsagency Jon? You sir, are too funny.
Where have you been of late? Don't tell me that another of your predictions has come true "I'll probably be bored of this blog by February.".
Hahaha I'm really laughing at that one Silver. I can just just see you sucking in some freshers. It troubles me somewhat that you have to sully my reminiscences with your smutty sniggerings.
Regarding the cottaging, I said what I said because it took place in the city you live in and was a prominent Australian person who was involved. I figured you would be up on current events. Typically though you twisted it rouond like some twisty turny thing LOL.
Ah Silver, the more you beat me the more I like it.
Strangely, there was a slightly romantic note to it all before you had to add in the "you're so tight" and "Oh yeahs". Now it has a tawdry air to it all and my wistful rememberings are now all 'pinked up'. Thanks *sarcastically*
Remeber to wear a coat today. The lavvies are going to be very cold today according to the Beeb.
Plastic bags??? What are you putting in them? Do you put your shopping in them to prevent putting the purchases straight on the toilet floor?
Or are they somewhere to store the coat? Lavatory stains would be very difficult to shift from cashmere, or so I imagine.
It boggles the mind. I wouldn't of thought of that. You Gays are a devious lot aren't you.
I feel sick now Miss. Can I go home please?
OMG!!!! I have learned so much.... Plastic bags ahoy!
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