frogman
UK[ˈfrɒɡmən]US[ˈfrɑːɡmən]
n
a person who is trained and equipped to work underwater for military or salvage purposes, especially using scuba gear.
Morpheme Breakdown
frog
man
frog
man
Etymology
the term is a modern english compound, first recorded in the mid-20th century. it combines 'frog', an animal renowned for its aquatic agility and leaping ability, with 'man' to denote a human operator. the metaphor is direct and vivid, comparing the swimmer's proficiency and movement in water to that of a frog. this creates an instantly recognizable image of a person specialized for underwater activity, much like the animal is adapted to its habitat.
Analysis
Structure: frog + man
frog (from old english frogga, meaning the amphibious animal; used here for its association with water and leaping). man (from old english mann, meaning an adult male human; used here to denote a person).
Examples
the navy frogman attached the explosives to the hull of the ship.
the team of frogmen was deployed to survey the sunken wreck.
he trained for years to become a frogman in the elite diving unit.