When I watch the Olympics and see the rowing they always talk about the coxswain for the boat. Since I only watch rowing every 4 years I never really gave it much thought. I know this was the person responsible for keeping the boat on course. But, where did that term come from? Now, you can impress a few people around the water cooler when you are talking about rowing.

An old Middle English word for small boats was cockle boat, from cockle shells, or small clam and periwinkle shells along the beach, or cock boat. This was combined with swain, or servant, meaning the sailor who cared for the boat and was in charge of it while it was being rowed. He steered the rudder and gave directions to the boat crew.

However, if you are like me and a couple other folks where I work you talk about crunchy frogs, The Spanish Inquisition, or lumber jack songs. Camelot is such a silly place!