Tag: gloucester

Growing up on the dock with my dad, uncle and cousin there were certain sayings that became part of our vernacular that most people wouldn’t understand but among us they had crystal clear meaning.

I guess I may as well share some of those words and sayings in a little series when one pops up around here I’ll try to explain it for you guys.

A sharpie is a word used to describe a guy that thought he was being slick when trying to get one over on you but he doesn’t realize that he’s a real dummy because you can see right through his lies.

For example- Joe Shmo lobsterman brings in his catch and it’s filled with culls and 2 lb lobsters. We put the tote of lobsters on the scale and he acts overly friendly and has half the amount of weight that he would normally have.

It’s obvious that he took an order for the pound and a quarter lobsters and is bringing them to someone directly and leaving us with the crap on this particular day. Most often a family member or friend. Instead of just saying so which wouldn’t be a problem, he says something stupid like “I’ve never seen such a strange run of lobsters. All culls and big ones”.

Like we were born yesterday.

This guy would be your classic sharpie.

Another example of a sharpie would be a junk guy that comes around and offers to “get rid of any of the scrap stainless or aluminum hanging around for free” Wow sport you’ll take it away for us? How kind of you.

In a case like that I can just picture my dad or uncle saying “He’s a real sharpie, huh?”