swabbie
Low-ranking seaman
A swabbie is a low-ranking sailor, especially in the U.S.
Navy.
The term comes from swabbing decks—mopping with a mop (swab)—a task assigned to new or junior crew members.
It's informal and often mildly disparaging: The swabbies spent the morning cleaning the ship.
Also spelled swabby.
Seafaring crew member
- seamanOne who works ships
- bluejacketEnlisted navy sailor
- enlistedSigned up formally
- ratingAssigned evaluative score
navy · shipboard · berthing · barracks · shore leave · mess hall · captain · petty officer
Signed up formally
- recruitNew member sought
- cadetMilitary academy student
- rookieInexperienced newcomer
- greenhornInexperienced, gullible newcomer
novice · apprentice · trainee · neophyte · fledgling · newbie · probationer · initiate
sailor
Seafaring crew member
- seamanOne who works ships
- bluejacketEnlisted navy sailor
- enlistedSigned up formally
rating · navy · shipboard · berthing · barracks · shore leave · mess hall · captain · petty officer · ensign
enlisted
Signed up formally
greenhorn · novice · apprentice · trainee · neophyte · fledgling · newbie · probationer · initiate · beginner
mop
Floor-washing implement
cleaning · rinse · suds · soap · sponge · brush · polish · shine · grime · bilge
gob
Shapeless soft lump
limey · squid · shellback · pollywog · landlubber · old salt · sea dog
- sailorscaptain, sailor, seaman, mariner, skipper
- ship crewsailor, seaman, crewman, deckhand, first mate
- job slangcop, doc, medic, cabbie, barista
- military slangFUBAR, hoorah, devil dog, SNAFU, GI
- Navy Slangaye aye, scuttlebutt, shipmate, old salt, landlubber
- enlisted soldiersprivate, corporal, sergeant, enlisted man, recruit
swabbieadmiral
Senior naval commander
officer · captain · commodore · rear admiral · vice admiral
- deck swabbingCleaning a vessel's floor