Why do they call it a head and where can I get more info on How this cameabout, I am writing an article, Thanks in advance
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Greg
Why a head?
First , I have to admit I found the answer on Cap'n Bobs Boat safety for kids website.. but what the heck.. Ron asks: Why is a bathroom on a boat called the head? When On a Boat Be Sure to Use Your "Head" Head is a much used maritime word meaning the top or forward part. Head was also the name given to that part of the older sailing ships, forward of the raised section near the bow or forward part of the boat called the forecastle. So when someone said they were going to the head it meant they were going to the forward part of the boat. The sailors would climb down onto an area floored with a grating to relieve themselves. The grating allowed the open sea to help keep the area clean. The name has been largely retained among seamen, even in these days of modern toilets and modern flushing devices.
First , I have to admit I found the answer on Cap'n Bobs Boat safety for kids website.. but what the heck.. Ron asks: Why is a bathroom on a boat called the head? When On a Boat Be Sure to Use Your "Head" Head is a much used maritime word meaning the top or forward part. Head was also the name given to that part of the older sailing ships, forward of the raised section near the bow or forward part of the boat called the forecastle. So when someone said they were going to the head it meant they were going to the forward part of the boat. The sailors would climb down onto an area floored with a grating to relieve themselves. The grating allowed the open sea to help keep the area clean. The name has been largely retained among seamen, even in these days of modern toilets and modern flushing devices.
P
Peggie Hall/Head Mistress
Greg's answer is correct...
The term originated because the first toilet facilities on boats were nothing more than holes in the hull in the bow of the boat--which was known as the "head of the ship"--where they could be well below decks and where the bow wake could wash it away from the hull. On smaller ships, if the seas were rough, users often got their bottoms (and a lot more) washed by waves that came up through the holes...which might not have been too bad an experience in the warmer latitudes, but no fun at all in the icy waters of say, the North Atlantic! Like many other terms, the name "head" continued to refer to the toilet compartment even after it became no longer necessary to put it in the head of the ship. Although the term "head" traditionally also applies to the appliance itself as well as the compartment in which it's located, an increasing number of mfrs in recent years have started calling the appliance a marine toilet...prob'ly as a concession to today's boat buying public, most of whom don't really want a boat, they want a floating condo. (And it's because the average person doesn't have a clue what the real definition of the word "saloon" is that the industry began to call the part of a vessel traditionally known as a "saloon" a "salon"...but that's another subject). However, I doubt the day will ever come when anyone but a landlubber will refer to a boat's head as a "bathroom." At least I hope not!
The term originated because the first toilet facilities on boats were nothing more than holes in the hull in the bow of the boat--which was known as the "head of the ship"--where they could be well below decks and where the bow wake could wash it away from the hull. On smaller ships, if the seas were rough, users often got their bottoms (and a lot more) washed by waves that came up through the holes...which might not have been too bad an experience in the warmer latitudes, but no fun at all in the icy waters of say, the North Atlantic! Like many other terms, the name "head" continued to refer to the toilet compartment even after it became no longer necessary to put it in the head of the ship. Although the term "head" traditionally also applies to the appliance itself as well as the compartment in which it's located, an increasing number of mfrs in recent years have started calling the appliance a marine toilet...prob'ly as a concession to today's boat buying public, most of whom don't really want a boat, they want a floating condo. (And it's because the average person doesn't have a clue what the real definition of the word "saloon" is that the industry began to call the part of a vessel traditionally known as a "saloon" a "salon"...but that's another subject). However, I doubt the day will ever come when anyone but a landlubber will refer to a boat's head as a "bathroom." At least I hope not!
T
Tom
Another little tidbit I read on why the bow (head)
of the boat was used as the place where sailors went to "do their duty". Back when the name originated most of the boats were only able to sail mostly downwind. Thus they would go to the bow (head) of the boat which was downwind of the rest of the crew.......sounds like a good idea. ;-)
of the boat was used as the place where sailors went to "do their duty". Back when the name originated most of the boats were only able to sail mostly downwind. Thus they would go to the bow (head) of the boat which was downwind of the rest of the crew.......sounds like a good idea. ;-)
R
Ray Bowles
So, What is, and where did term "Poop deck"come
from. I thought I'd come close when I made up my last response to my wife about the term poop deck. Now she might be right about my rapidly madeup story telling. Ray
from. I thought I'd come close when I made up my last response to my wife about the term poop deck. Now she might be right about my rapidly madeup story telling. Ray
C
Clyde
Nautical term for "Poop Deck"
A poop deck is a raised deck at the stern of a ship above the quarter-deck. The shock of a high and heavy sea breaking over the stern or rear quarter of a ship, when she scuds (running before the wind at speed)in a tempest or storm is called pooping. It's an old 19th century nautical sailing term. If you were standing on the raised deck at the stern of ship when a following wave breaks, you were pooped.
A poop deck is a raised deck at the stern of a ship above the quarter-deck. The shock of a high and heavy sea breaking over the stern or rear quarter of a ship, when she scuds (running before the wind at speed)in a tempest or storm is called pooping. It's an old 19th century nautical sailing term. If you were standing on the raised deck at the stern of ship when a following wave breaks, you were pooped.
J
Jack Rhines
Head Info
Royce's Sailing illustrated,mine is a 1958 fifth printing, HEAD,toilet compartment aboard a boat or ship;originally the small deck furthest forward with most privacy,it is well defined on vessels such as the Santa Maria, Mayflower, and the capital ships up to schooners which developed a new type of a bow eliminating the old head. But it looks like the term "going to the head" stuck. Clyde's take on poop deck is right on! Seems to me that the old navy term "Whats the poop" must have come from the fact that the captain and the ships officers lived in that area of the ship and new the latest information. good sailing, Jack
Royce's Sailing illustrated,mine is a 1958 fifth printing, HEAD,toilet compartment aboard a boat or ship;originally the small deck furthest forward with most privacy,it is well defined on vessels such as the Santa Maria, Mayflower, and the capital ships up to schooners which developed a new type of a bow eliminating the old head. But it looks like the term "going to the head" stuck. Clyde's take on poop deck is right on! Seems to me that the old navy term "Whats the poop" must have come from the fact that the captain and the ships officers lived in that area of the ship and new the latest information. good sailing, Jack
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