Most professions have their own languages, and the US Navy with its obscure terms and labored acronyms is certainly no exception. Those in and out of the naval profession will find these two dictionaries essential tools in deciphering their unique language, which has its origins in the days of sail and continues to mutate in the ever-growing vocabulary of technology.

For these completely revised and fully updated editions, Deborah Cutler and Thomas Cutler identify and clearly define a vast array of terms and acronyms and abbreviations that can make documents and conversations with naval professionals so bewildering. Highly qualified“NAVSPEAK” linguists, the Cutlers have built upon the original works, culling, adding, and bringing the entries up to date for the twenty-first century. Official terms and abbreviations like “Seapower 21” and NGA are included as well as such colorful, unofficial vocabulary as “cannon cocker” and SNAFU. Helpful notations of word origins for the very old and very new make definitions even clearer.

DEBORAH W. CUTLER is an editor who has worked with naval professionals, historians, and authors on a variety of naval topics and has transcribed numerous oral histories for the Naval Institute. THOMAS J. CUTLER, a retired naval officer, is the author of many books, including The Bluejacket’s Manual and Dutton’s Nautical Navigation.