Nautical Terms Quiz

Do you know the difference between a “Creeper” and a “Thwart?” If someone onboard refers to a “Scupper,” will you know what that person is talking about? The sound of nautical terms often provide no clue to their actual meanings. Be sure to test your knowledge of salty slang by taking the “Nautical Terms” quiz.

1. Fall away
a. Sink
b. Drive sideways in tide or wind
c. Make a fast exit from crow's nest

2. Creeper
a. Four-clawed bottom drag
b. Reefed mainsail
c. Barefoot watchman

3. Scrowl
a. Fathometer reading
b. Barge towline
c. Timber used in place of figurehead

4. Scupper
a. Caulking tool
b. Drain hole
c. Barnacle remover

5. Raffee
a. Arbiter of racing disputes
b. Triangular sail
c. Castaway clinging to flotsam

6. Rake
a. Slant of bow, stern, funnels, masts
b. Sled on a dredge
c. Graze a pier on docking

7. Crank
a. Boat unable to bear much sail
b. Assistant harbor master
c. Lantern hoist

8. Thwart
a. Beam
b. Stymie
c. Seat

9. Careen
a. Sail outside a channel
b. Lay vessel on side to clean hull
c. Create wake in no-wake zone

10. Bitter
a. Inboard end of anchor line
b. Essential additive in mare nostrums
c. Tiny tender

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