In one of my pulley segments, I talk about a block and tackle. I pronounce 'tackle' like fishing tackle, or like the tackle position on a football team.

A guy posted a comment that 'tackle' is supposed to be pronounce 'taycle' - at least that's how he claims 'seafarers' pronounce it.

I've never heard tackle pronounce taycle? What about it, am I pronouncing block and tackle incorrectly? Is it really taycle?

I'm staying with your tackle convention.

I've never known mariners to be quoted on proper pronunciation.

...arrrr matey...

Quote:

Tackle: Traditionally pronounced "tay-kle," it refers to gear on deck in general or, specifically, to blocks and their associated lines-as in "block-and-tackle." The word comes from the Middle Dutch taekel, meaning tackle, and from which the pronunciation was derived.
- reference link

However ... I'm with Jim. I was in the Navy, as was my Dad. We say; "tackle". I'm staying with "tackle" so I won't have to explain what the f*** I'm talking about. "Taykle?" ... seriously? ... pffft ... way too snobbish ... one would need to be drinking tea with one's pinky curled in the air, wouldn't one? ... for gawd's sake.

"...drinking tea with one's pinky curled in the air..."

"...I'm staying with "tackle" so I won't have to explain what the f*** I'm talking about..."

That's the way I see it - "taycle" would be confusing.

Then again, I don't get that starboard and ..... hmmm, what's the other side? I just use left and right.

Members of my wife's family have been mariners going back 4 generations, the sailors in the family pronounce it "tackle".
-AJ