198. Scrimshank: The Sailor’s Art of Shirking

Emily sets sail with Kyle this week into the nautical history of ‘scrimshank.’ With not a second to spend dawdling, the duo drift quickly into the world of whaling, sailor slang, and idle shipboard hobbies.

As with many a seafaring term of yore, the deeper they dive, the murkier the etymology becomes. From ‘scrimshaw’ to ‘scrimp shanking’ to ‘skrimshander,’ there’s no time to waste (or money, for that matter) with a crew made up of naval slang, mysterious origins, and general maritime mischief.

More than just a history of laziness, scrimshank tells a sea tale about work, discipline, and the language we use for getting out of both. From whaling ships to military barracks to modern workplaces, the word endures as the perfect accusation for anyone doing just about anything other than what they’re supposed to be doing.