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