bilge water

• Seemännischer Begriff für schmutziges, übel riechendes Wasser, das sich in der Bilge (dem untersten Teil des Schiffsrumpfs) sammelt. Im übertragenen Sinn auch für Unsinn oder leeres Gerede.

A nautical term referring to the dirty, foul-smelling water that collects in the bilge (the lowest part of a ship's hull). Figuratively, it can also mean nonsense or worthless talk.

1. Nautical termC1formal

   The dirty, often oily water that collects in the bilge (the lowest compartment) of a ship.

   Bilgewasser

   • The crew had to pump out the bilge water to keep the ship stable.
   • Bilge water often contains oil, grease, and other contaminants.
   • The smell of bilge water was overwhelming in the lower deck.

2. Nonsense or rubbishC2informalbritish

   Used figuratively to describe something that is worthless, nonsensical, or of very poor quality.

   Unsinn

   • Don't listen to him; everything he says is bilge water.
   • That article is complete bilge water, full of false claims.
   • His speech was just bilge water, with no real substance.