Jackspeak: A Guide to Naval Slang and Usage

by Rick Jolly

The essential dictionary of modern British naval slang, covering
the Navy, the Royal Marines and the Fleet Air Arm
An indispensable resource for servicemen and women, exservicemen,
their families, or anyone with an interest in or
connection to the Royal Navy
Now available in an expanded and revised third edition
Visit the Jackspeak web page for more information
Jackspeak is a comprehensive reference guide to the humorous and
colourful slang of the Senior Service, explaining in layman's terms the
otherwise cryptic everyday language of the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines
and the Fleet Air Arm. Featuring more than 4,000 alphabetical entries, it was
compiled by an ex-RM surgeon who spent 24 years in the service. With
useful cross-references and examples of common usage throughout, along
with excellent illustrations by Tugg, the cartoonist from service newspaper
Navy News, it is the essential book for current and ex-Navy personnel and
their families, or anyone interested in the modern armed forces.
Conway is proud to present a revised and updated edition of this classic
volume, which is already acknowledged as the standard reference for every
Jack, Jenny and Royal joining the Andrew, or for any civvy who wants a real
insight into the unique culture of the Navy.
Author Information
Rick Jolly is a former RM doctor. His first book told the story of the medical
base at Ajax Bay in the Falkland Islands, which he commanded throughout
the 1982 campaign. A legendary figure in the Navy, 'Doc' Jolly remains the
only serviceman to be decorated by both sides: he received an OBE from the
Queen and the Oficial Orden de Mayo from the Argentine Government. Rick
is also the founding chairman of the South Atlantic Medal Association for
Falklands veterans.

Genres: Nonfiction, Humor, Language

544 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 10, 1989

Reviews

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential reading for any FNG/Jack/Bootie. Also useful as a 'Book of Reference' for foreign naval colleagues.

[Philip · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's an experimental novel comprising short non-sequential plot elements (although they are ordered alphabetically, presumably for the author's convenience).

Or possibly it's a dictionary?

Anyway, you don't have to read it from front cover to back cover as do sad gits like me. You can just dip in here and there, look up a nautical term you've heard, and enjoy some amusing dits and examples of Forces Humour. Dark Blue, yes, but also Jungly Green, Purple, Light Blue and of course Black.

And it has about 159 of Jack Tar's euphemisms for sexual intercourse. My favourite bon mot's "Receiving swollen goods". What's yours?

[Tim Corke · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve not exactly read this in a day but realised it’s been on my shelf for ages and hadn’t logged it even though I regularly pick it up and scan through. Having worked with the Royal Navy this has been in parts useful and interesting to hear how the colloquial language of Jack has developed over the hear and also part translator tool as you hear new terms and wonder what on earth is going on.

It has been compiled by an RN legend who has spent a huge amount of time bringing the language of the senior service to the masses. BZ!

[Lysergius · Rating 3 out of 5]

Living in Portsmouth near RN dockyard this seemed a useful thing to read.