Submitted 9 hours ago by Bluegrass_Addict@lemmy.ca to [deleted]
The poopdeck refers to the top portion of the rear of the ship, typically where the Captain had the big wheel.
Growing up I only remember ever heard it as “swab the deck”. Calling out the poop deck specifically is likely a modern or regional inclusion because, well, “poop”.
Or maybe it’s one of those Mandela Effect things and I’ve left my original universe.
I’d wager that they wanted the entire deck stabbed, but with extra attention paid to the poop deck. That’s where the important stuff happened.
Like the poop?
While certainly of utmost importance, there was no pooping on the poop deck. That was done on the Head, usually mounted near the bow, just behind the forecastle.
We’ll never know
What happens on the poopdeck stays in the poopdeck
Cuz that’s where the poop is!
BananaTrifleViolin@piefed.world 7 hours ago
First, they swabbed the whole deck not just the poop deck. The focus on the poopdeck is probably modern because it sounds interesting and sticks more in the mind.
Supposedly they swabbed the decks in part because salt water prevents wood rotting (versus fresh water from rain storms which promotes rotting), in part because it’s a wooden ship with gunpowder loose which is a fire risk (so best to sweep it away and keep areas damp), and in part because it kept the crew occupied.
paraplu@piefed.social 3 hours ago
Another reason to swab: the deck is watertight, but only if the wood remains swollen