What does it mean to “deep six” something in navy terminology?

What does it mean to “deep six” something in navy terminology?

• A. To hide it on the ship
• B. To dispose of by throwing over the side
• C. To repair it
• D. To inventory items

Answer: (B)

The phrase "deep six" in Navy terminology is commonly understood to mean disposing of something by throwing it overboard. This expression has nautical origins, where "six feet deep" refers to the depth of the ocean or sea floor, implying that the item is permanently sunk and out of consideration. The practical application of this term reflects a decision to discard items that are no longer needed or deemed unserviceable, thereby clearing space or reducing clutter on a vessel. The context of the other options aids in understanding why they do not align with the intended meaning. For example, hiding something on the ship involves retention rather than disposal, repairing signifies maintenance rather than an act of removal, and inventorying items suggests a detailed list and accounting rather than discarding them altogether. Thus, the connotation of “deep sixing” implies finality in removal, which is effectively captured by the correct answer.

The phrase "deep six" in Navy terminology is commonly understood to mean disposing of something by throwing it overboard. This expression has nautical origins, where "six feet deep" refers to the depth of the ocean or sea floor, implying that the item is permanently sunk and out of consideration. The practical application of this term reflects a decision to discard items that are no longer needed or deemed unserviceable, thereby clearing space or reducing clutter on a vessel.

The context of the other options aids in understanding why they do not align with the intended meaning. For example, hiding something on the ship involves retention rather than disposal, repairing signifies maintenance rather than an act of removal, and inventorying items suggests a detailed list and accounting rather than discarding them altogether. Thus, the connotation of “deep sixing” implies finality in removal, which is effectively captured by the correct answer.