What does shanghaiing mean?
Shanghaiing is a verb that refers to the act of kidnapping or coercing someone into working on a ship, often in the 19th century. This practice was common in the sailing era, where sailors would lure unsuspecting passengers into working on ships under the threat of violence or other forms of coercion. The term shanghaiing is derived from the city of Shanghai, which was a major hub for the shipping industry at the time. Today, the term is often used in historical or nautical contexts to describe this form of coercion. It is a useful word for understanding the darker aspects of maritime history and the treatment of sailors and passengers during this period. The connotations of shanghaiing are strong, implying a sense of violence and coercion. It is a word that is worth knowing for anyone interested in history, nautical culture, or the social dynamics of the past.
verbTo kidnap or coerce someone into working on a ship, especially a sailing ship, often in the 19th century.
- To kidnap or coerce someone into working on a ship
"The sailors were shanghaiing unsuspecting passengers from the dockside bars."
"The sailors were shanghaiing unsuspecting passengers from the dockside bars."
"The practice of shanghaiing was eventually outlawed in many countries."
The plural form shanghaiings is used to describe multiple instances of this practice.
"The sailors were shanghaiing unsuspecting passengers from the dockside bars, and it was a common practice in the sailing era."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of shanghaiing
The word shanghaiing is derived from the city of Shanghai, which was a major hub for the shipping industry in the 19th century. The term is believed to have originated from the practice of kidnapping sailors and passengers in Shanghai and forcing them to work on ships. This practice was eventually outlawed in many countries, but the term shanghaiing remains as a reminder of this darker aspect of maritime history.
How shanghaiing is actually used
Shanghaiing is a verb with a strong connotation of coercion or kidnapping. It is often used in historical or nautical contexts.