Son of a GunThe naval origins of a surprisingly common phrase.
From the show
History of PhrasesDiscover the surprising maritime history behind this familiar expression. It originated in the British Royal Navy as a formal, if slightly dismissive, way to record the birth of a child with uncertain paternity aboard a ship. The term literally referred to a baby born on the gun deck, making them a child of the ship's cannons rather than a specific father. So, that friendly jab actually has a fascinating and salty backstory.
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