Subj : Re: "Way Enough"? To : rec.sport.rowing From : carl Date : Thu Oct 01 2020 11:18 pm On 01/10/2020 20:18, KC wrote: > On Wednesday, September 2, 2020 at 9:40:15 AM UTC-7, Andy McKenzie wrote: >> On Wednesday, 2 September 2020 at 15:44:16 UTC+1, Henry Law wrote: >>> Where does the rowing term "Way enough" come from? I recognise "Way" >>> (or maybe "Weigh") as a nautical term, as in "Under way", so I suppose >>> the command could mean "We've had enough of way", in other words stop >>> rowing. But in terms of the language structure that seems odd: at the >>> very least you'd think, with that derivation, the command would be >>> "Enough Way" rather than as it is. >>> >>> Is it also the case that "Way Enough" means "Stop what you're doing", >>> irrespective of what that might be? Someone pushing the boathouse door >>> open might therefore be told to "Way 'nuf" while some obstruction is >>> cleared, for example. The equivalent UK term "Easy there" couldn't be >>> used so generally (especially in its alternative form of "Easy oars". >>> >>> (We're back in lockdown, having not actually emerged: I have to find >>> things to occupy my mind ...) >>> >>> -- >>> Henry Law n e w s @ l a w s h o u s e . o r g >>> Manchester, England >> The internet suggests that this debate has gone on a while! (https://rowsource.com/2014/02/weigh-enough/) >> >> I had a look at my handy 1889 rowing manual 'Boating by W.B Woodgate', which should be every rower's principal guide with its sound dietary advice for rowers (chops for breakfast, ale with lunch and ale or a light claret with dinner!) This suggests that 'Easy all' is the appropriate command on fresh water and 'Way enough' is a naval term, and so presumably appropriate for salt water! It actually seems quite logical to me. A boat is under way, driven by sail oars or motor. When you don't need the thing that provides the 'way' you call 'enough way'. I think this proves coxes need Jedi mind skills! > > It used to be (long ago) derived from the nautical term, "under weigh" which became "underway" over time. "Weigh" was used because to "weigh anchor" is to lift the anchor off the underwater ground, allowing the boat/ship to begin to move. Being "under weigh(t of the anchor)" (meaning the buoyancy of the craft was now supporting the weight of the anchor) came to mean there was enough water flowing below the keel to allow the rudder to work. So, while it was originally "weigh" the nautical terms are now "underway" and "way" (the state a water craft is in if it is at all moving without an anchor tied to the ground, or without being tied to another ship or pier) despite the action on the anchor still being to "weigh anchor." > > So, I've always assumed that the rowing term means "that's enough weigh/way" don't give us any more. > I've heard some people say they thought it derived from "away and up" (with hands and the oars respectively) which isn't too far from making as much sense as anything else. > Way-nuff makes perfect sense - "way" being movement (as you say) & "'nuff" being sufficiency, "enough". On this side of the pond we "Easy!" or "Easy all!", possibly coming from "easy-oars", & perhaps a bit soft & indecisive by comparison. I might slightly disagree with Henry as I think that our term comes from the sea (the first Universities Boat Races were rowed in craft akin to whalers). But who cares? Cheers - Carl -- Carl Douglas Racing Shells - Fine Small-Boats/AeRoWing Low-drag Riggers/Advanced Accessories Write: Harris Boatyard, Laleham Reach, Chertsey KT16 8RP, UK Find: tinyurl.com/2tqujf Email: carl@carldouglasrowing.com Tel: +44(0)1932-570946 Fax: -563682 URLs: carldouglasrowing.com & now on Facebook @ CarlDouglasRacingShells --- This email has been checked for viruses by AVG. https://www.avg.com * Origin: SportNet Gateway Site (24:150/2) .