The expression is reputed to have gone around the colonial clubs of the distant countries of the British Empire in the Victorian period. It came to fame with the publication of the book ODTAA in 1926 by John Masefield.
Modern English dictionary
Explore and search massive catalog of over 900,000 word meanings.
Word of the Day
Get a curated memorable word every day.
Challenge yourself
Level up your vocabulary by setting personal goals.