Deep-Six, To: Origins and Usage of a Nautical Cliché

Deep-Six, To§

Definition§

To “deep-six” something is to abandon, reject, or otherwise dispose of it. This expression is often employed in informal contexts to describe the act of discarding or getting rid of something unwanted or unnecessary.

Etymology and Historical Context§

The phrase “deep-six” originated in the mid-20th century within naval parlance, where it denoted the act of throwing something or someone overboard. The “six” in the expression refers to the six-foot nautical fathom, a standard unit of measurement for sea depth. This nautical origin underscores the phrase’s initial association with maritime practices. Over time, the term transcended its naval roots, permeating civilian language as a metaphor for rejection or disposal.

Semantic Analysis§

Semantically, “deep-six” conveys a sense of finality and irretrievability. The phrase implies not merely discarding but doing so in a manner that ensures the subject is permanently out of sight and mind. Its connotations are often informal, lending a colloquial flavor to discussions of rejection or abandonment.

Cultural and Social Usage§

In contemporary culture, “deep-six” is frequently used in both spoken and written discourse to denote the act of getting rid of something undesirable. It appears in journalistic contexts, as illustrated by Scot Lehigh’s editorial in the Boston Globe regarding Mitt Romney’s political prospects: “I’d deep-six the joke [he tells] about the wily old farmer who pretends he’s feeding an alligator in order to scare some naked coeds out of a swimming hole” (Boston Globe, March 11, 2005).

Synonyms and Related Phrases§

• Jettison: To discard or throw away, especially from a ship or aircraft.
• Ditch: To get rid of or abandon.
• Scrap: To discard as worthless or no longer useful.
• Toss: To throw away or dispose of casually.

Illustrative Examples§

• In a professional context: “The committee decided to deep-six the outdated policy in favor of a more modern approach.”
• In an informal context: “After the breakup, she deep-sixed all the gifts he had given her.”

Contextual Variations§

The phrase “deep-six” is versatile, applicable in various contexts:

• Professional: Often used to describe the abandonment of outdated practices or policies.
• Social: Used colloquially to describe personal decisions to discard unwanted items or relationships.
• Literary: Occasionally appears in narratives to emphasize the irretrievable disposal of objects or ideas.

Contemporary Relevance and Durability§

The phrase “deep-six” maintains moderate contemporary relevance, particularly in informal settings. Its nautical origins lend it a distinctive character, yet its usage is not as prevalent in formal discourse. The phrase is likely to endure in casual speech and writing, earning a durability rating of ★★★☆☆.

Quotations§

“I’d deep-six the joke [he tells] about the wily old farmer who pretends he’s feeding an alligator in order to scare some naked coeds out of a swimming hole.” - Scot Lehigh, Boston Globe (March 11, 2005)

Cross-References§

• Throw Overboard: A related nautical term with similar connotations of disposal.
• Bury the Hatchet: Another idiom involving the concept of putting something to rest, though often with a focus on reconciliation rather than disposal.
• Let Go: A phrase that conveys a broader sense of release or abandonment.