While researching ... it astounded me to learn that so many of the words & expressions we use today take their origins from life on the sea. For example ... "Son of a Gun." Today this expression signifies affectionate regard for a friend. But during the Age of Sail it meant ... either a child born on a ship (under a gun) ... or an illegitimate child fathered by a sailor. Keep that last bit in mind when you next call your friend a "Son of a Gun!!!"

 

Historical Background – Son of a Gun