Date: Tue, 30 Jan 1996 08:44:14 MST

From: Tom Uharriet UTOM[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]ADMN.SHS.NEBO.EDU

Subject: Re: why are ships referred to as she (fwd)



Apparently a class has been given the

assignment of finding out why ships and boats are referred to as SHE.

We have looked in all sorts of ship and sea lore books but all we can find

is, yes they are referred to as SHE. Any information and sources as to why

sailing vessels are spoken of in the female gender would be appreciated.



Nothing but a guess here. I always thought it was because sailors were male

and they always talked about being married to the sea, etc, etc. I guess it

could be the other way around, though it seems less likely.



I also have so no particular reason, perhaps, that mother country is the

reason we refer(red) to countries as she also.



yoroshiku

Benjamin Barrett



I think BB is on the right track about the marraige connection. I

have heard of cars--particularly sports cars--being called "she" for

sexual reasons. I don't think I need to explain the analogy in

detail, but it's along the line of the male driver climbing in,

reving up those engines, and going for a joy ride.



Tom



utom[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]admn.shs.nebo.edu