why do they call submarines "u boats" when they are so big
By shelagh77
@shelagh77 (3643)
4 responses
@shelagh77 (3643)
•
5 Mar 07
But why a boat? That is what I was wondering, why a boat, not a ship or something?
@emeraldisle (13139)
• United States
3 Mar 07
Origianlly the "u" was short for "underwater". They were thought of as underwater boats and then that was shortened to juse uboats. I don't really think they are called that no a days though. Mostly older subs during World War 2 and older are called that.
1 person likes this
@shelagh77 (3643)
•
5 Mar 07
But why a boat, not a ship or a vessel or even a craft, they are larger than a boat?
@rainbow (6761)
•
3 Mar 07
I think its because they are under the water boats that con go under boats. I suppose anything that goes in water is a fish or a boat the same way that when you are 2 all birds are ducks.
There's probably a complicated realy reason and I'm sure the Royal Navy have it, however that is mine, hope you like it, lol!
1 person likes this
@shelagh77 (3643)
•
5 Mar 07
It is the boat bit that is making me wonder, as I am a nosy critter.
No all birds are not ducks, they are sometimes pesky blue and red pigeon type birdies what destroy homes lololol.
1 person likes this
@marlyse (1056)
• Switzerland
3 Mar 07
lol seems someone is addicted to water this week ;-)
i agree with all what was said before. and yes i heard it only in german till now. maybe its because of the looking from them, boats in german are Kanu, Ruderboot, motorboot, and more. they are all small and long. that could be an explanation.
@shelagh77 (3643)
•
5 Mar 07
Thank you for that Marlyse, addicted to water oh lol! And it is only Monday!
ruderboot, yes, sounds possible. I was wondering why boat and not ship but the way that the English language absorbs words from other languages, that would go a long way to explaining the boat.
1 person likes this
