Table of Contents
The word for today is…
keelhaul (verb) –
1 : to haul under the keel of a ship as punishment or torture
2 : to rebuke severely
Source : Merriam -Webster
Etymology : In the mid-1600s, British monarchs were intent on using their powerful navy to expand their empire. Insubordination was not tolerated, and mutinous sailors were disciplined severely to discourage others from similar rebellion. Keelhauling was one of the worst penalties that could befall a renegade mariner. Although they definitely practiced the gruesome punishment, the British did not invent it—the Dutch did. Keelhaul is a translation of the Dutch word kielhalen, which means “to haul under the keel of a ship.” Even after the practice was banned on European naval vessels in the mid-1800s, the word keelhaul remained in English as a term for a severe scolding.
If you enjoyed this BFD word of the day please consider sharing it with your friends and, especially, your children.
