Two people exploring Titanic: The Unsinkable Ship and Halifax.
Tuesday Night Talks graphic.

Sound Like a Sailor - The Book of Nautical Expressions - Tuesday Night Talk

Talk
Join celebrated author, sailor, and artist R. Bruce Macdonald for an engaging evening exploring the colourful world of nautical language. In his latest book, Sound Like a Sailor – The Book of Nautical Expressions, Macdonald dives into the fascinating history behind the expressions we use every day—many of which have their roots at sea. Discover how minding your p’s and q’s originates in how bartenders kept track of pints and quarts on sailors’ tabs, how “going berserk” calls up images of shirtless Vikings, and how the word “footloose” originally referred to an untethered sail flapping around like Kevin Bacon’s legs. Macdonald brings these phrases to life with captivating tales from the high seas and the rich tapestry of maritime history. Whether you’re a sailor, history buff, or simply love a good story, this event promises insight, laughter, and a deeper appreciation for the language that has sailed through centuries. Don’t miss your chance to meet the author, get your own copy, and get it signed, in person!

Location

Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, Halifax

Date

Tuesday April 7, 2026 from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Pricing

Join us every Tuesday for free admission from 5 pm to 8 pm.

We encourage you to support Feed Nova Scotia and help fight food insecurity by making a donation during your visit.

The author is a professional sailor who has logged over 100,000 nautical miles and is the former captain of several tall ships. He has been published in magazines over 200 times and has written four best selling books. Macdonald is the author of four acclaimed books, over 200 published articles, and a skilled artist whose works are held in collections across North America.

Tuesday Night Talks is open to everyone. We offer free admission from 4 pm - 8 pm. Donations to Feed Nova Scotia are welcome.

R. Bruce Macdonald
Sound Like a Sailor – The Book of Nautical Expressions - Tuesday Night Talk
  • R. Bruce Macdonald
    R. Bruce Macdonald
  • Sound Like a Sailor – The Book of Nautical Expressions - Tuesday Night Talk
    Sound Like a Sailor – The Book of Nautical Expressions
  • R. Bruce Macdonald
  • Sound Like a Sailor – The Book of Nautical Expressions - Tuesday Night Talk