kiss the gunner’s daughter: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘kiss the gunner's daughter’ mean?
"Kiss the gunner's daughter" is a nautical idiom meaning to be punished by a flogging. The phrase originates from the practice of tying a crew member to a cannon and whipping them as a disciplinary action.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "knuckle sandwich" means to punch someone with your closed hand, typically hitting them in the face. It is a figurative expression used to convey the act of physically assaulting someone.
The idiom "kiss someone's ass" means to excessively flatter or show submissive behavior towards someone in order to gain their favor or approval.
The idiom "kiss off" means to dismiss, reject, or end a relationship with someone in a dismissive or rude manner.
The idiom "kiss of death" refers to an action or event that leads to certain failure or ruin. It implies that something or someone has a detrimental or fatal effect on a situation or outcome.
The idiom "kiss my ass" is an impolite way of dismissing someone or expressing defiance, implying that one does not care about their opinion or authority.
The idiom "kiss ass" means to excessively flatter or praise someone in order to gain favor or advantage, typically in a subservient or insincere manner.
The idiom "kiss arse" means to obsequiously flatter or grovel in order to gain favor or advantage, often by being excessively complimentary or subservient towards someone in a position of power or authority.
Kiss and make up - This idiom means to reconcile or resolve a conflict after an argument or disagreement, usually by expressing forgiveness or apologizing.
The idiom "kick the bucket" means to die or to pass away. It is a metaphorical expression that originated from the idea of someone accidentally kicking a bucket while they are hanging from a noose, resulting in their death.
Nautical Discipline Distilled
The idiom "kiss the gunner's daughter" refers to an old naval punishment where a sailor is forced to bend over a cannon or gun while receiving lashes on his buttocks. It is said to have originated in the late 18th century. The idiom implies a situation where someone is being punished or reprimanded. The term "kiss" in this phrase is used metaphorically, signifying the receiving of punishment.
The idiom "kiss the gunner's daughter" has a dark and brutal historical origin. In the context of a naval punishment, it was an act of severe physical discipline inflicted upon sailors who committed serious offenses onboard ships during the late 18th century. The punishment involved the offender being bent over a cannon or gun, usually in front of the crew, while receiving lashes on his buttocks.
The choice of the word "kiss" in this idiom is significant, as it adds a touch of dark irony to the punishment. The act of kissing is usually associated with tenderness, affection, or love. However, in this case, "kissing" symbolizes the act of receiving punishment, thus contrasting sharply with its conventional meaning.
The usage of the idiom "kiss the gunner's daughter" shifted from a literal, physical punishment to a figurative expression over time. It is employed to describe situations where someone is being reprimanded or punished severely. The idiom's historical context brings a sense of severity and brutality to its modern usage.
The idiom "kiss the gunner's daughter" is related to the phrase "give it the gun" in a figurative sense. "Give it the gun" means to put forth maximum effort or apply full force to something. Both idioms involve the idea of acting with intensity or force, although in different contexts. While "give it the gun" focuses on giving maximum effort, "kiss the gunner's daughter" emphasizes the act of being subjected to severe punishment.
The idiom "kiss the gunner's daughter" also relates to the phrase "kiss arse" or "kiss someone's ass." These phrases imply flattery or excessive deference to someone in order to gain favor or avoid punishment. In both idioms, the word "kiss" is used metaphorically to represent subservience and the attempt to appease someone in power. While "kiss arse" conveys a sense of sycophantic behavior, "kiss the gunner's daughter" highlights the consequences of not adhering to the rules set by those in authority.
Additionally, the idiom "kiss the gunner's daughter" is connected to the saying "have someone's guts for garters." This phrase is used to express extreme anger or a desire for revenge towards someone. It suggests that one would be willing to go to great lengths to harm or punish the target of their anger. While "have someone's guts for garters" focuses on the threat of severe consequences, "kiss the gunner's daughter" depicts the actual act of punishment itself.
While this idiom focuses primarily on the punishment aspect, it also alludes to the imbalance of power dynamics within the naval hierarchy. The crew's witnessing of the punishment and the act itself emphasize the authority of the officers and the potential vulnerability of the sailors subjected to such discipline.
Overall, the idiom "kiss the gunner's daughter" serves as a stark reminder of the harsh realities of 18th-century naval life and the consequences that sailors faced for their transgressions. It illustrates the power of language to encapsulate historical practices and carry their significance into contemporary expressions. While the idiom has evolved beyond its original physical punishment, its usage resonates with the legacy of authority, discipline, and the potential for severe consequences.
Example usage
1. When the sailor failed to complete his assigned duties, the captain ordered him to kiss the gunner's daughter as punishment.
2. The coach threatened to make the entire team kiss the gunner's daughter if they didn't improve their performance in the next game.
3. In the old navy, sailors who were caught stealing or disobeying orders would be forced to kiss the gunner's daughter as a form of public humiliation.
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