Plimsoll etymology

Etymology and Origin

The term "plimsoll" comes from the name of Samuel Plimsoll (1824-1898), a British politician and social reformer.

Meaning

A plimsoll is a type of boat shoe or casual shoe characterized by its canvas upper, rubber sole, and a narrow rubber strip around the edge.

History

  • In 1871, Samuel Plimsoll spearheaded an investigation into maritime safety.
  • He discovered that many ships were being overloaded, leading to accidents and loss of life.
  • As a result, Plimsoll advocated for legislation to establish a "load line" on ships, indicating the maximum safe depth to which they could be immersed.
  • In 1876, the British Parliament passed the Merchant Shipping Act, which included provisions for the Plimsoll mark.
  • The Plimsoll mark, also known as the "Plimsoll line," became a symbol of maritime safety.
  • At the same time, rubber-soled canvas shoes were becoming popular, and some manufacturers began to market them as "plimsolls" due to their resemblance to the Plimsoll mark.
  • Today, plimsolls are used as both boat shoes and casual footwear.

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