Just learned the history behind the emergency call for help “Mayday mayday mayday.” That’s how the British spelled the French call “m’aidez” (help me)
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Also, the history behind the words port and starboard: before large ships had rudders, they had a steering oar in the back right (“steer board”), and to avoid damaging it, they would tie in to the dock (“port”) on the left side.
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So starboard and mayhem are words gifted to us by seamen who couldn't quite spell.. I love it.
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