Jack Tar

For the 1915 British silent film, see Jack Tar (film). For the hotel chain, see Jack Tar Hotels.

Jack Tar (also Jacktar, Jack-tar or Tar) is a common English term that was originally used to refer to seamen of the Merchant Navy or the Royal Navy, particularly during the British Empire. By World War I the term was used as a nickname for those in the US Navy.[1] Members of the public and seafarers alike made use of the name in identifying those who went to sea. It was not used pejoratively, and sailors were happy to use the term to label themselves.[2]

  1. ^ Stewart Binns (22 October 2015). The Darkness and the Thunder: 1915: The Great War Series. Penguin Books Limited. p. 428. ISBN 978-1-4059-1629-5.
  2. ^ Williams, James H (1917). "A Better Berth for Jack Tar". The Independent (Sept. 29). New York: S.W. Benedict: 502–503, 515. Retrieved March 24, 2010.