When someone says ‘the sun is over the yardarm,’ it might sound like a peculiar phrase from a bygone era. Yet, this expression has sailed its way through time, carrying with it a colorful history and a surprising modern use. From nautical roots to casual conversations about cocktails, the phrase has evolved while retaining its charm. Understanding the origin, meaning, and continued relevance of ‘sun under the yardarm’ is not only fascinating for language lovers, but also helpful for anyone curious about idiomatic expressions and maritime history.
Understanding the Phrase: ‘Sun Under the Yardarm’
What Is a Yardarm?
To understand the phrase fully, it helps to know what a yardarm actually is. On a sailing ship, the yardarm refers to the horizontal spar on a mast from which sails are hung. Ships typically have more than one yardarm, located high above the deck. As the sun rises and moves across the sky, it eventually appears just under or over the yardarm from a sailor’s perspective on deck.
The Meaning Behind the Phrase
The phrase ‘the sun is over the yardarm’ traditionally indicated that it was late enough in the day for sailors to have their first alcoholic drink often rum or grog. In other words, it was a euphemism for acceptable drinking time. Interestingly, the expression has become a whimsical way of saying, ‘It’s time for a drink,’ even far from the sea.
Origins in Maritime Tradition
Sailors and Their Daily Routine
Life at sea followed a strict schedule governed by time, light, and duty. In the early Royal Navy and other maritime traditions, sailors were often given a ration of alcohol. This practice became part of naval routine, with drinking times closely watched. Since the sun’s position was a natural clock for sailors, its location in the sky became symbolic for daily rituals, including mealtime and drinking time.
Geographical Interpretation
In the Northern Hemisphere, the sun would typically appear under the yardarm on the upper portion of a ship’s rigging by mid to late morning, around 11: 00 a.m. That was often the time when naval officers deemed it acceptable for the first daily ration of alcohol. Thus, the phrase came to be associated with a specific time of day, even if approximate.
Modern Use of the Phrase
Casual and Humorous Contexts
Today, the phrase is used more as a lighthearted or humorous remark. You might hear someone say, It’s past the yardarm somewhere, as a justification for pouring a glass of wine in the afternoon. It’s a fun, informal way to suggest that it’s late enough in the day to enjoy a drink without judgment.
Pop Culture and Literature
Writers and screenwriters sometimes use ‘the sun is over the yardarm’ to give dialogue a touch of character or to allude to drinking culture. It can suggest world-weariness, playfulness, or even sophistication. Because of its literary and historical charm, the phrase continues to pop up in novels, TV shows, and films.
Variations and Misunderstandings
Sun Under the Yardarm?
While the most common phrasing is ‘over the yardarm,’ some people mistakenly say ‘under the yardarm.’ Technically, both refer to the sun’s position near the ship’s rigging. However, ‘over the yardarm’ is more commonly accepted and historically accurate in nautical usage. Still, both phrases are understood in modern speech to mean essentially the same thing: it’s time to relax with a drink.
Confusion with Literal Meanings
Those unfamiliar with sailing terms might imagine a completely different image when they hear ‘yardarm.’ The idea of a sun hanging from or passing under some kind of mysterious horizontal beam can be confusing. This is why explaining the maritime origin helps clarify the metaphor and its playful tone.
Why the Phrase Endures
A Nod to Tradition
Using ‘sun over the yardarm’ connects the speaker with a long-standing tradition. It’s not just about drinking it’s about embracing history, humor, and the poetry of nautical language. It shows appreciation for the seafaring life and the colorful sayings it brought into everyday language.
Evoking a Sense of Leisure
The phrase also evokes a mood of relaxation and indulgence. Saying it at a brunch, during a lazy afternoon, or while pouring a weekend cocktail adds a touch of charm and ceremony to a casual act. It’s a way to make the moment feel just a little more special.
Examples of Usage in Everyday Life
- It’s been a long day surely the sun’s over the yardarm by now.
- We waited until the sun was over the yardarm to open the champagne.
- Even if it’s only 10 a.m., the sun must be over the yardarm somewhere!
- This vacation house has a porch perfect for watching the sun pass the yardarm.
Using the Phrase Respectfully
Mind the Context
While the phrase is fun, it’s important to be aware of the context in which you use it. In professional or formal settings, it might be better to avoid idioms that reference alcohol. However, among friends or in relaxed social situations, it’s usually taken as a harmless joke or cultural reference.
Not Just for Drinkers
Although the phrase is linked to alcohol, it doesn’t have to be used that way. Some people use it just to describe the passing of time or the start of a break. The phrase can symbolize leisure, rest, or celebration whether you’re sipping wine or sparkling water.
More Than Just a Saying
‘The sun is over the yardarm’ is more than a nautical relic. It’s a slice of cultural heritage that adds color to language. From the wooden decks of 18th-century ships to 21st-century patios, the phrase continues to capture the spirit of rest and relaxation. Whether you’re toasting to the end of the day or simply admiring how language evolves, this idiom remains a delightful expression worth keeping afloat.