thar she blows
thar she blows (interjection)
/ðɑr ʃi bloʊz/
Meaning
- Used humorously to indicate that something is erupting or exploding, or about to do so.
- A phrase historically shouted by a lookout on a whaling ship upon spotting a whale spouting water above the ocean’s surface.
- An alternative form of “there she blows,” used when someone shouts upon seeing a whale shooting water through its spout above the waterline.
Example Sentences
- As the geyser erupted, he exclaimed, thar she blows!
- Spotting the whale’s spout in the distance, the sailor shouted, thar she blows!
- When the old car’s engine overheated, smoke billowed out, prompting him to say, thar she blows.
- Seeing the volcano spew lava, the tour guide remarked, thar she blows!
- As the champagne bottle was uncorked, the foam burst forth, and someone quipped, thar she blows.
Origin and History
The phrase “thar she blows” is deeply rooted in the maritime traditions of the 19th century, particularly within the whaling industry. It was commonly exclaimed by sailors upon sighting a whale spouting water, signaling the presence of their quarry. This exclamation became synonymous with the whaling profession, capturing the essence of the hunt and the excitement of a whale sighting.
Linguistic Evolution
The term “thar” is a colloquial alteration of “there,” reflecting regional dialects and speech patterns of sailors during that era. The use of “she” to refer to the whale aligns with the nautical tradition of assigning feminine pronouns to objects of the sea, such as ships and sea creatures. This linguistic practice personified the whale, adding a layer of familiarity and endearment to the pursuit.
Cultural Significance
Beyond its literal meaning, “thar she blows” permeated popular culture, symbolizing the adventurous spirit of seafaring life. It was popularized in literature and folklore, often evoking images of the perilous and thrilling nature of whale hunting. The phrase encapsulated the challenges and triumphs of sailors, becoming emblematic of maritime adventure.
Earliest Recorded Usage
The earliest known printed instance of “thar she blows” appears in Herman Melville’s 1851 novel, Moby-Dick, where it is used to depict the excitement of spotting a whale. This literary work played a significant role in introducing and immortalizing the phrase within the broader public consciousness.
Alternative Theories
Some theories suggest that the phrase may have origins predating the 19th century, potentially linked to earlier seafaring communities. However, concrete evidence supporting these claims remains scarce. The lack of documented usage prior to the 1800s makes it challenging to substantiate these alternative origins.
Imaginative Speculations
In the realm of imaginative speculation, one might consider that the phrase originated from an ancient mariner’s tale, where a legendary sea creature, upon surfacing, was heralded by the cry “thar she blows.” This mythical origin, while captivating, lacks historical evidence and remains within the domain of folklore.
Variant
- there she blows
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