What does scupper mean?
A scupper is a device or opening in a ship's deck that allows water to drain from the deck. It is typically a metal or wooden grate that is designed to allow water to flow out while keeping debris out. As a verb, to scupper means to damage or disable a ship, often by removing a scupper or clogging it with debris. This can be done intentionally or unintentionally, and can have serious consequences for the ship and its crew. The word 'scupper' has been in use since the 16th century, and is derived from the Middle English word 'scuppen', which means 'to scoop' or 'to drain'. The word has been used in various contexts, including literature and nautical terminology. In modern usage, the word 'scupper' is often used in a more general sense to refer to any device or opening that allows water to drain from a surface. However, its primary meaning and usage remain closely tied to the nautical context.
A device or opening in a ship's deck that allows water to drain from the deck.
"The ship's scupper was clogged with seaweed, causing the deck to flood."
In formal writing, it is often used in a more technical sense to refer to a specific type of device or opening.
To damage or disable a ship, often by removing a scupper or clogging it with debris.
"The sailors tried to scupper the enemy ship by removing its scupper and clogging it with debris."
In informal writing, it may be used in a more general sense to refer to any device or opening that allows water to drain from a surface.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of scupper
The word 'scupper' is derived from the Middle English word 'scuppen', which means 'to scoop' or 'to drain'. This word is thought to be derived from the Old English word 'scupan', which means 'to scoop' or 'to hollow out'. The word 'scupper' has been in use since the 16th century, and has been used in various contexts, including literature and nautical terminology.
How scupper is actually used
The word 'scupper' is often used in a more general sense to refer to any device or opening that allows water to drain from a surface. However, its primary meaning and usage remain closely tied to the nautical context. In formal writing, it is often used in a more technical sense to refer to a specific type of device or opening. In informal writing, it may be used in a more general sense to refer to any device or opening that allows water to drain from a surface.