saltie

[< salt (water) + -ie]

Great Lakes, Slang

DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

This entry may contain outdated or offensive information, terms, and examples.

1n.

an ocean-going vessel, as opposed to a lake boat.

Quotations

1959

Sixty or more ocean ships--called "salties" by lake seamen--and inland ships were expected to be in transit today.

1966

The only saltie to visit Kingston that year, the 17,170 ton Malmanger of Norway, sailed with her holds only half full of grain.

2n.

a sailor on such a vessel.

1962

Once free of the Great Lakes, the salties figure they rule the roost.