bluejacket: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (Very Low Frequency - Specialised/Historical)Historical / Informal / Naval jargon
Quick answer
What does “bluejacket” mean?
A sailor or seaman, especially in a navy, traditionally wearing a blue uniform.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A sailor or seaman, especially in a navy, traditionally wearing a blue uniform.
Informal or historical term for an enlisted naval rating, distinguished by the blue jacket as part of the standard uniform, often as opposed to an officer or a marine (who may wear a different colour).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common and established in American historical and naval contexts, particularly relating to the US Navy. In British English, 'rating' or simply 'sailor' is more standard official terminology, though 'bluejacket' is understood.
Connotations
In both varieties, it evokes a traditional, pre-20th century image of naval service. It can carry a tone of respect for the ordinary seaman.
Frequency
Rare in contemporary active use for both, but appears more frequently in American historical writing, museums, and naval tradition contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “bluejacket” in a Sentence
He was a bluejacket.The ship was manned by experienced bluejackets.A bluejacket from the frigate.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical or military studies texts discussing naval forces, particularly 18th-19th centuries.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might be used in historical novels, museums, or by naval enthusiasts.
Technical
Not a current technical term in modern navies; replaced by specific rank and rating classifications (e.g., Able Seaman, Petty Officer).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bluejacket”
- Using it to refer to any sailor in a blue jacket, e.g., a yacht club member (it is specifically naval).
- Using it in a modern, official context.
- Spelling as two separate words: 'blue jacket'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A bluejacket is a sailor in the navy. A marine is a soldier who serves on ships and on land, typically part of a separate corps (e.g., Royal Marines, US Marine Corps). They traditionally wore/wear different uniforms (e.g., red or green).
It would sound odd or deliberately archaic. Modern official terms are specific ranks (Able Seaman, Petty Officer) or the general term 'rating'. 'Bluejacket' is best used for historical or traditional reference.
It comes from the distinctive blue jacket that formed part of the standard uniform for enlisted sailors (not officers) in many navies, notably the British and American, from the 18th century onwards.
No, it is a very low-frequency, specialised term. Most native English speakers will understand it from context, but it is not a word used in daily conversation.
A sailor or seaman, especially in a navy, traditionally wearing a blue uniform.
Bluejacket is usually historical / informal / naval jargon in register.
Bluejacket: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbluːˌdʒæk.ɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbluˌdʒæk.ət/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the classic sailor's uniform: a BLUE JACKET. The person wearing it is the BLUEJACKET.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE PERSON IS DEFINED BY THEIR UNIFORM (Metonymy).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the term 'bluejacket' be LEAST appropriate?