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scupper

Nautical
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

An opening in the bulwark or deck edge that allows water to drain off the deck.

Detailed Definition
The scupper is the ship's drainage, a small hole that prevents the deck from becoming a swimming pool. In poetry, it symbolizes release, the safety valve, and the necessary mechanism for shedding excess—whether water, emotion, or burden. Its unglamorous function appeals to poets interested in the humble, overlooked details that maintain survival. The scupper's gurgle as water pours overboard is a small, practical music that contrasts with the grand roar of the waves. It also suggests the importance of letting go, of allowing the deck to stay dry and functional, so that the serious work of sailing can continue.
Example
Example in poetry:
The scupper in poetry symbolizes release, the safety valve, and the necessary mechanism for shedding excess—whether water, emotion, or burden.; Its unglamorous function appeals to poets interested in the humble, overlooked details that maintain survival.; The scupper’s gurgle as water pours overboard is a small, practical music that contrasts with the grand roar of the waves.; It suggests the importance of letting go, of allowing the deck to stay dry and functional.; The scupper is an opening in the bulwark or deck edge that allows water to drain.; Its presence reminds us that even the smallest holes serve a vital purpose.
Additional Notes
A scupper is a small opening in the bulwark or deck edge that allows water to drain off the deck. In poetry, this humble, unglamorous feature symbolizes release, the safety valve, and the necessary mechanism for shedding excess—whether water, emotion, or burden. Its gurgle as water pours overboard is a small, practical music that contrasts with the grand roar of the waves. Poets use the scupper to suggest the importance of letting go, of allowing the deck to stay dry and functional, so that the serious business of sailing can continue. It is a symbol of the overlooked, yet vital, details of survival.
Also Known As
Deck drain freeing port wash port
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