Why are means of transport refered to as

Female?

I've never understood this, especially as English dosen't gender objects in the same way as say, French does?

It also annoys me, it feels sexist that these big boys toys are often named after women and refered to as she, is an ownership thing?  A man can own and control a boat, a car or a plane and not a woman?

Parents
  • According to the internet, the Latin word for ship, navis, is feminine, same in other languages.

    Figureheads were often feminine. The figurehead being a representation of the ship, not just something nailed to the front.

    While having women onboard brought bad luck, a female figurehead, particularly with bared breasts, could appease the sea,ward off and tame storms, and bring good luck.

    The sea is unforgiving and people often disappeared and were caught out by storms, so superstition was and still is strong.

    The figureheads could also be gods, goddesses, mythical creatures, birds, animals, etc. according to the Historic Dockyard Chatham.

Reply
  • According to the internet, the Latin word for ship, navis, is feminine, same in other languages.

    Figureheads were often feminine. The figurehead being a representation of the ship, not just something nailed to the front.

    While having women onboard brought bad luck, a female figurehead, particularly with bared breasts, could appease the sea,ward off and tame storms, and bring good luck.

    The sea is unforgiving and people often disappeared and were caught out by storms, so superstition was and still is strong.

    The figureheads could also be gods, goddesses, mythical creatures, birds, animals, etc. according to the Historic Dockyard Chatham.

Children
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