The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #100160   Message #2004898
Posted By: GUEST
23-Mar-07 - 08:51 AM
Thread Name: Origins: Drunken sailor .. wayhey or hif ho
Subject: RE: Origins: Drunken sailor .. wayhey or hif ho
It was almost certainly originally 'Weigh hey.' The anchor is 'aweigh' when the fluke is off the bottom and the weight is taken by the chain. Hence to weigh anchor means to lift it and so set sail.