On Sat, 24 Nov 2007 13:08:08 +0100 Terry Streeter <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> BARRY HOLLAND wrote: > > To continue the naval theme :- 'bosun' is a contraction of > > 'boatswain'---& there aren't any apostrophes in sight! > > If bosun is a contraction of boatswain, where did the "u" appear from? It's a NAUTICAL contraction, for all love! :) It was contracted in the saying of it, not the writing. Then some grasscombing bu**er decided to standardise how you spell it. Which I am a Lissun, one who subscribes to the 'List of the world', the Patrick O'Brian Discussion List, alias The Gunroom, ai'nt I. Which it is fast approaching Two Bells in the First Watch and I must sling my hook. Rick
