Posted by David Bamford on March 10, 2001 at 01:05:53 from 203.166.235.228:
In Reply to: ,,,,,,and Ahoy!,,,,,? posted by Ian Wright on February 21, 2001 at 00:22:34:
I have an abiding interest in etymology, and combined with my interest in maritime traditions, have often thought about the origin of this greeting. Imagine a sailing ship entering port after a protracted passage: the fresh water on board ceased being fresh some time ago, and may well be green and stinking. One of the most urgent requirements is for fresh water. This was taken to the ships in specialist lighters, called Hoys. A sailor would be sent to the bow to hail for one of these hoys to come alongside. His shout of "A Hoy!" would be taken by the dockside idlers to be a seaman's greeting or hail. And thus it would pass into the vernacular.