It's not 'whale vomit', it's ambergris. It's a nice word, and useful, so let's use it
It's condescending and banal to reach for simpler, less accurate words for something when perfectly good ones already exist
Deborah Orr
The Guardian, Friday 1 February 2013
Ambergris is a beautiful and long-established word for a strange and unusual substance, produced in the digestive system of sperm whales, and eventually excreted through one of only two possible exits. It has been used since ancient times in the manufacture of perfume. So it's rather a shame that the media now prefers to refer to it as "whale vomit" or, for a bit of variation, "whale poo" – as if the world is a kindergarten. It has been in the news because Ken Wilman found a lump while walking on the beach with his dog. Unlike whale vomit or whale poo, it's valuable.
So, if you're of a romantic nature, but for some reason unable to say "amber" or "gris", you can opt for "floating gold". And ... you can refer to gold as "ground riches", in case anyone in your audience is three.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/feb/02/whale-vomit-ambergris-words
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Listened to all 21 audiobooks last year, narrated by Simon Vance. A truly fantastic way to experience the books.
And then I went online and managed to find an old copy of this book:
http://www.amazon.com/Lobscouse-Spotted-Dog-Gastronomic-Companion/dp/0393320944
O'Brian wrote in detail about the meals that were eaten by the officers and seamen of the time. My wife thinks I'm crazy, but I want to try making some of the dishes so eloquently described in the novels.
Cheers
Sid
Where, oh where are the DUzys? I miss them so much!
But with so many talented DUers, it is indeed a Herculean task to take on. 