Gob vs. Sailor — What's the Difference?

Slang rooted in American navy tradition.

Recognized globally, regardless of the type of vessel.

Often used in informal speech or writing.

Emphasizes the profession and skills related to seafaring.

Implies a sense of camaraderie among navy personnel.

A person who works or serves on a ship, encompassing both military and civilian roles.

Reflects insider knowledge or membership in naval culture.

Connects to a broad maritime tradition and culture.

An informal term for a sailor, often used affectionately in naval contexts.

Used in both formal and informal contexts.

A small mass or lump.

A sailor, seaman, mariner, or seafarer is a man who works aboard a watercraft as part of its crew, and may work in any one of a number of different fields that are related to the operation and maintenance of a ship. The profession of the sailor is old, and the term sailor has its etymological roots in a time when sailing ships were the main mode of transport at sea, but it now refers to the personnel of all watercraft regardless of the mode of transport, and encompasses people who operate ships professionally, as a sport or recreationally.

Often gobs(Informal) A large quantity

A person whose job it is to work as a member of the crew of a commercial or naval ship or boat, especially one who is below the rank of officer

The mouth.

A person who serves in a navy or works on a ship.

A sailor.

A person who operates a sailboat.

(countable) A lump of soft or sticky material.

A low-crowned straw hat with a flat top and flat brim.

The mouth.

A person in the business of navigating ships or other vessels

Saliva or phlegm.

Someone knowledgeable in the practical management of ships.

A sailor.

A member of the crew of a vessel; a mariner; a common seaman.

Waste material in old mine workings, goaf.

A person who sails sailing boats as a sport or recreation.

A whoopee pie.

Any of various nymphalid butterflies of the genera Neptis, Pseudoneptis and Phaedyma, having white markings on a dark base and commonly flying by gliding.

To gather into a lump.

One who follows the business of navigating ships or other vessels; one who understands the practical management of ships; one of the crew of a vessel; a mariner; a common seaman.

To spit, especially to spit phlegm.

Any member of a ship's crew

To pack away waste material in order to support the walls of the mine.

A serviceman in the navy

Same as Goaf.

A stiff straw hat with a flat crown

A little mass or collection; a small quantity; a mouthful.

The mouth.

Same as sailor.

A man who serves as a sailor

A lump of slimey stuff;

Informal terms for the mouth

The origins of "gob" as naval slang are not definitively known, but it's deeply rooted in American naval tradition and culture.

No, "gob" is not derogatory; it's used informally or affectionately within naval circles.

"Sailor" is the standard term with universal recognition, applicable in both military and civilian maritime contexts globally, unlike "gob," which is slang and culturally specific.

Yes, many navies and maritime cultures have their own slang terms and nicknames for sailors, reflecting their unique traditions and camaraderie.

The term "gob" does not denote a specific role but is a general term for navy personnel, encompassing a variety of duties and ranks.

Yes, "sailor" can refer to anyone who operates a sailboat or engages in sailing, regardless of whether it's their profession or a hobby.

While its usage might vary, "gob" remains a part of the rich tapestry of naval slang and identity, cherished by those within the community.

While formal education and training may primarily use "sailor," the term "gob" might still be heard in informal conversations and settings among personnel.

The term "gob" is specifically associated with the navy, so it's not typically used for civilian maritime workers.

Both are often depicted with a sense of adventure, bravery, and loyalty, though gobs might be shown with more focus on the camaraderie and culture of naval life.