Talk:shipshape and Bristol fashion
This is the third proposed etymology I have read of 'Shipshape and Bristol Fashion.' The first suggested that, because the port was so small, all the ships had to be moored in neat rows, all lying longitudinally against each other. The second suggested that it was because the drying harbour put a lot of strain on the hull of the boat when resting on its side on the dried out mud so only sturdy ships were allowed in. This, the third, suggests it is to do with keeping your cupboards tidy to avoid accidents when the boat keeled over on the drying tide.
Anyone got any clues?
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